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CHRIST    BLESSING   LITTLE    CHILDREN. 


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AMERICAN   TRACT   SOCIETY, 

150  NASSAU-STREET,  NEW  YORK. 


.   .  .   .  .     ,  A  -rrr;, 

.  ;     <    ■  >  •  j  >  j  «       .  ,    • 


■    I 
i         e  t  .  i 


-        .   .  t 


All 


J 


T^r 


THE 


b 


i^-flACT  PMHngSK.^] 


A.  is  tor  Adam,  who  was  the  first  man; 

He  broke  (rod's  command,  and  thus  sin  began. 


B 

CO 

c 

o 

X 


B,  is  the  Book,  which  to  guide  us  is  given ; 

Though  written  by  men,  the  words  came  from 

heaven. 

l* 


370IICT 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


C  c 


C,  is  for  Christ,  who  for  sinners  was  slain : 
By  him — 0  how  freely  ! — salvation  we  gain. 


Del 


D,  is  the  Dove,  with  an  olive-leaf  green, 
Returning  in  peace  to  the  ark  she  is  seen. 


E,  is  Elijah,  whom,  by  the  brook's  side, 
Daily  with  food  the  wild  ravens  supplied. 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER. 


F,  is  for  Felix,  who  sent  Paul  away, 

And  designed  to  repent  on  some  future  day. 


G,  is  Goliath:  lo,  stretched  on  the  plain, 
By  the  sling  of  young  David,  the  giant  is  slain. 


H,  is  for  Hannah — how  happy  was  she, 
Her  son,  little  Samuel,  so  holy  to  see  ! 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER. 


1 


I,  is  for  Isaac:  like  Jesus  he  lies, 
Stretched  out  on  the  wood,  a  meek  sacrifice. 


J,  is  for  Joseph,  who,  trusting  God's  word, 
Was  lifted  from  prison  to  be  Egypt's  lord. 


K,  is  for  Korah;   G-od's  wrath  he  defied, 
And  lo !  to  devour  him  the  pit  opened  wide. 


THE    TRACT  PRIMER. 


&&t  A 


L,  is  for  Lydia:   Grod  opened  her  heart; 
What  he  had  bestowed,  'twas  her  joy  to  impa  "t. 


M,  is  for  Mary,  who  fed  on  Christ's  word; 
And  Martha  her  sister,  beloved  by  our  Lord. 


N,  is  for  Noah  :  with  Grod  for  his  guide, 
Safely  he  sailed  o'er  the  billowy  tide. 


10 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


O,  is  'Jbadiah,  who,  the  prophets  to  save, 
T"17  ice  fifty  concealed  and  fed  in  a  cave. 


P,  is  for  Peter,  who  walked  on  the  wave, 
But  sinking  he  cried,  Lord,  I  perish,  0  save ! 


Q,  is  the  Queen,  who  from  distant  lands  came, 
Allured  by  the  sound  of  king  Solomon's  fame. 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER. 


13 


X,  is  the  Cross,  that  our  dear  Saviour  bore : 
0  think  of  his  sorrows,  and  grieve  him  no  more. 


Y,  is  the  Youth,  who,  killed  by  a  fall, 

By  a  miracle  wrought,  was  recovered  by  Paul. 


Z,  is  for  Zoar,  where  Lot  prayed  to  be ; 
It  reminds  me  of  Christ,  a  refuge  for  me. 

2 


14 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


ALPHABET. 

ABCDEFGH 

IJKLMNOP 

Q      R       S      T      U      V 

W      X       Y       Z 


a 

b 

C 

d 

e 

f 

g 

h 

i      J 

k 

1 

m 

n 

O 

P 

% 

q 

r 

s 

t 

u 

V 

w 

X 

y 

z 

WORDS 

OF   TWO  LETTERS. 

ba 

be 

bi 

bo 

bu 

by 

da 

de 

di 

do 

du 

Jy 

fa 

fe 

fi 

fo 

fu 

fy 

ha 

he 

hi 

ho 

hu 

by 

ja 

Je 

ji 

j° 

ju 

jy 

ka 

ke 

ki 

ko 

ku 

ky 

la 

le 

li 

lo 

lu 

iy 

ma 

me 

mi 

mo 

mu 

my 

1 

THE   TRACT 

PRIMER. 

15 

na 

ne 

ni 

no 

nu 

ny 

pa 

pe 

Pi 

po 

pu 

py 

ra 

re 

ri 

ro 

ra 

ry 

sa 

se 

si 

so 

su 

sy 

ta 

te 

ti 

to 

tu 

ty 

va    • 

ve 

vi 

vo 

vu 

vy 

wa 

we 

wi 

wo 

wu 

wy 

za 

ze 

zi 

zo 

zu 

zy 

ab 

eb 

ib 

ob 

ub 

ac 

ec 

ic 

oc 

uc 

ad 

ed 

id 

od 

ud 

af 

ef 

if 

of 

uf 

ag 

eg 

ig 

°g 

ug 

ak 

ek 

ik 

ok 

uk 

al 

el 

il 

61 « 

ul 

am 

em 

im 

om 

um 

an 

en 

in 

on 

un 

ap 

ep 

ip 

op 

up 

ar 

er 

ir 

or 

ur 

as 

es 

is 

OS 

us 

at 

et 

it 

ot 

ut 

av 

ev 

iv 

ov 

uv 

ax 

ex 

ix 

ox 

ux 

az 

ez 

iz 

oz 

uz 

16 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER 


WORDS   OF   TWO  LETTERS. 
It  is  an  ox. 

Oh  no  !  Ah  me  !  Do  it . 

It  is.  Do  so.  Gro  up. 

Gro  on.  On  us.  He  is. 


Is  he  up  to  us  ?     No. 
Wo  be  to  me  if  it  is  so. 
Do  it  as  we  do  it. 
It  is  to  go  by  me. 
Lo,  it  is  to  be  as  it  is. 
Gro  ye  in  to  it. 
He  is  to  go  up  by  it. 
If  ye  do  go,  go  by  me. 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER. 


17 


^    if1' 

I 


CAT.  DOG.  MAN. 

bat         mat  log         fog  fan         ran 

hat         pat  bog        hog  can         tan 


KID.  FLY.  SUN. 

hid         mid  wry       try  tun         pun 

lid  bid  why       ply  run         fun 


HEN.                     BED.  FIG. 

pen        den           fed         red  wig        gig 

men       ten           led         wei'  dig         big 

2* 


18 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER. 


LESSONS   OF   THREE   LETTERS. 

God  can  see  all  men. 

Who  can  see  God  ?     Not  one. 

You  may  not  sin,  for  God  can  see  you. 

The  Son  of  God  can  put  our  sin  far  off. 

Ask  the  Son  of  God  for  his  aid. 

A  bad  way  has  a  bad  end. 

Try  the  way  of  God  ;  the  end  is  joy. 


You  may  not  lie,  for  God  can  hear  you. 

Men  may  not  see  you,  but  the  eye  of  God 
is  on  you — he  can  see  you,  if  you  are  hid. 

Our  own  way  is  a  bad  way,  for  all  men 
sin.     Do  as  you  are  bid  in  the  law  of  God. 

You  may  die  to-day — Oh,  how  bad  to  die 
in  sin ! 

God  is  not  far  off — go  to  him,  and  say : — 

Oh  God,  I  am  sad  for  all  my  sin.  Woe  is 
me,  for  all  the  ill  I  do !  Thy  Son  can  see  it 
all.  He  has  an  ear  for  all  we  say.  Oh,  let 
all  I  now  do  be  fit  for  him  to  see — all  I  say 
be  fit  for  his  ear.  I  ask  thy  aid  to  get  me 
out  of  the  bad  way,  the  way  of  sin. 

Oh,  Son  of  God !  aid  me  to  be  a  new  man — 
let  me  be  thy  son. 


THE 

TRACT   PRIMER. 

19 



WORDS ( 

}F    FOUR 

ANIMALS 

LETTERS 

Bear 

Deer 

Fowl 

Lamb 

Seal 

Bird 

Dove 

Frog 

Lark 

Swan 

Calf 

Duck " 

Goat 

Lynx 

Toad 

Colt- 

Fawn 

Hawk 

Moth 

Wasp 

Crow 

Fish 

Kite 

Mule 

Wolf 

THINGS  THAT 

GROW. 

Balm 

Date 

Husk 

Pine 

Sage 

Bean 

Fern 

Leaf 

Pink 

Seed 

Bush 

Flax 

Mint 

Plum 

Stem 

Cane 

Hemp 

Moss 

Reed 

Tree 

Corn 

Herb 

Pear 

Rose 

Weed 

NAMES  AND   TITLES. 

Aunt 

Jane 

Maid 

Lord 

Ab-by 

Babe 

John 

Mate 

La-dy 

Ma-ry 

Dame 

Lass. 

King 

Twin 

Lu-cy 

Girl 

Miss 

Wife 

Rose 

Em-ma 

NATURAL   OBJECTS. 

Cave 

Dale 

Lake 

Moon 

Tide 

Coal 

Gold 

Land 

Rock 

Vale 

Cliff 

Hill 

Lead 

Sand 

Wave 

Crag 

Isle 

Mine 

Star 

Wind 

Foam 

Gale 

Falls 

Rill 

Gust 

20 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


QUALITIES. 


warm 

cold 

meek 

kind 

tall 

short 

mild 

mean 

long 

thin 

true 


damp 

moist 

brisk 

frank 

pert 

cross 

square 

round 

large 

small 

li°;ht 


dull 

flat 

smooth 

good 

sweet 

dear 

cheap 

nice 

fresh 

rude 

wild 


white 

black 

blue 

green 

brown 

buff 

drab 

pink 

red 

rich 

poor 


VERBS,  OR  WORDS  OF  DOING. 


hear 

frown 

look 

smell 

gaze 

feel 

wink 

bite 

smile 

fret 

speak 

scold 

yawn 

scream 

blush 

sing 

laugh 

kiss 

pout 

creep 

pull 

fight 

walk 

jump 

fling 

toss 

strike 

leap 

climb 

spring 


hold 

whip 

work 

wash 

play 

read 

spell 

write 

make 

grasp 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER. 


21 


See  this  Dove. 
It  is  a  meek  and  kind  bird, 
and  does  no  harm.    When 
two  or  more  are  in  one  nest, 
live  in  love.     John  and  Jane,  and 
boy  and  girl,  must  try  to  be  good  and 
kind.     The  Son  of  (rod,  who  died  to  save 
us  from  sin,  can  help  you  to  be  mild  and  meek 

like  the  dove. 

Here  is  a  Lamb.     Does  it  not  put  you  in  mind 

of  the  Lamb  of  (rod  who 

did  no  sin,  and  had  no  spot 

£  in  him  ?     Pray  to  him  to 

HH     put  the  same  mind  in  you 

that  was  in  him. 


ifflF 


22  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 

ALPHABET   OF   TEXTS   IN   SHORT   WORDS. 

A  new  heart  will  I  give  you. — Ezek.  36  :  26. 
Be  thou  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  all  the  day 

long.— Prov.  23  :  17. 
Choose  you  this  day  whom  ye  will  serve. — 

Josh.  24 :  15. 
Draw  nigh  to  God,  and  he  will  draw  nigh  to 

you. — James  4  :  7. 
Eat  such  things  as  are  set  before  you. — Luke 

10:8. 
Fools  make  a  mock  at  sin. — Prov.  14 :  9. 
Great  peace  have  they  which  love  thy  law. — 

Ps.  119 :  165. 
Hide  not  thy  face   from  me,  lest  I  be  like 

unto  them  that  go  down  into  the  pit. — Ps. 

143 : 7. 
It  is  good  for  a  man  that  he  bear  the  yoke  in 

his  youth. — Lam.  3  :  27. 
Just  and  true  are  thy  ways,   thou   King  of 

saints. — Rev.  15  : 3. 
Keep  me   from   the   snare  which  they  have 

laid  for  me. — Ps.  141 :  9. 
Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ? — Acts 

9:6. 


THE    TRACT  PRIMER.  23 

My  son,  give  me  thy  heart. — Prov.  23  :  26. 
Not  my  will,  but  thine  be  done. — Luke  22 :  42. 
O  taste  and  see  that  the  Lord  is  good. — Ps. 

34 : 8. 
Prove    all   things ;   hold    fast   that   which    is 

good.— 1  Thess.  5  :  21. 
Quit  you  like  men;  be  strong. — 1  Cor.  16  :  13. 
Rest  in  the  Lord. — Ps.  37  :  7. 
Seek  ye   out  of  the   book  of  the   Lord,    and 

read. — Isa.  34  :  16. 
Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all 

thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with 

all  thy  might. — Deut.  6  :  5. 
U-nite  my  heart  to  fear  thy  name. — Ps.  86 :  11. 
Vow,  and  pay  unto  the  Lord  your  God. — Ps. 

76:11. 
Who  can  say,  I  have  made  my  heart  clean,  I 

am  pure  from  my  sin  ? — Prov.  20  :  9. 
In  siX  days  the  Lord  made  heaven  and  earth, 

the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is. — Exod. 

20:11. 
Ye  shall  seek  me,  and  find  me,  when  ye  shall 

search  for  me  with  all  your  heart. — Jer. 

29:13. 
Clad  with  Zeal  as  a  cloak. — Isa.  59  :  17. 


24 

THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 

VOWELS. 

a 

e 

i          o          n 

y 

DOUBLE    LETTERS. 

ff 

fi 

fl            ffi 

ffi 

DIPTHONGS. 

M 

33                             (E 

03 

POINTS. 

,  com'-ma 

'   ac'-cent 

;  sem'-i-co' 

-Ion               —  dash 

:  co' 

-Ion 

!  ex-cla-ma' 

-tion 

.  pe' 

-ri-od 

?  ques'-tion 

-  hy'-phen 

NUMERALS. 

FIG  URES. 

LETTERS.                            NAMES. 

1 

I                       one 

2 

II                     two 

3 

III                    three 

4 

IV                    four 

5 

V                      five 

1 

6 

VI                    six 

THE    TRACT 

PRIMER.                              25 

FIGURES 

LETTERS. 

NAMES. 

7 

VII 

sev'-en 

8 

VIII 

eight 

9 

IX 

nine 

10 

X 

ten 

11 

'  XI 

e-lev'-en 

12 

XII 

twelve 

13 

XIII 

thir'-teen 

14 

XIV 

four'-teen 

15 

XV 

fif'-teen 

16 

XVI 

six'-teen 

17 

XVII 

sev'-en-teen 

18 

XVIII 

eigh'-teen 

19 

XIX 

nine'-teen 

20 

XX 

twen'-ty 

30 

XXX 

thir'-ty 

40 

XL 

for'-ty   ■ 

50 

L 

fifty 

60 

LX 

six'-ty 

70 

LXX 

sev'-en-ty 

80 

LXXX 

eigh'-ty 

90 

xc 

nine'-ty 

100 

c 

one  hun'-dred 

500 

D 

five  hun'-dred 

1,000 

M 

one  thou'-sand 

1,000,000 

3 

one  mill'ion 

26 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER. 


v  I     **&  i 


The  Bi'-ble  is  the  best  of  all  *  j  g 
books.  G-od  gave  it  to  man  to  |pfit 
make  him  wise  and  good.  When  you,  "C^ 
are  old'-er,  you  will  be  able  to  read  the  « 
ho'-ly  book  of  God.  It  will  tell  you  how  God 
sent  his  dear  Son  to  save  men  from  sin.  If 
you  read  the  word  of  Grod,  and  feel  his  love, 
and  try  to  do  his  will,  when  you  die  you  will 
go  and  live  with  Je'-sus  in  heav'-en.  Put 
a-way'  sin  and  fear  G-od,  and  your  soul  will 
be  safe  in  his  hand. 

"  May  I  live  to  know  and  fear  him, 
Trust  and  love  him,  all  my  days, 
Then  go  dwell  for  ev'-er  near  him, 
See  his  face,  and  sing  his  praise." 


TS 

E   TRACT   PRIME  R. 

27 

WORDS 

OF   TWO   SYLLABLES. 

An'-na 

gru'-el 

Ma'-ry 

bod'-y 

gro'-cer 

mer'-chant 

cov  -er 

ho'-ly 

na'-vy 

di'-et 

hus'-band 

nei°;h'-bor 

du'-ty 

i'-dol 

ox'-en 

ev'-er 

Ju'-ry 

o'-ver 

en'-vy 

king'-dom 

par'-ent 

far'-mer 

li'-on 

prim'-er 

for'-tune 

lil'-y 

qui'-et 

mo'-ment 

day 

month 

min'-ute 

night 

year 

hour 

week 

cen'-tu-ry 

spring 

sum' 

-mer         au'-tumu 

win'-ter 

a-bound' 

for-sake' 

re-fuse' 

ap-pease 

im-plore' 

re-late' 

be-seech' 

in-cite' 

se-cure' 

be-tray 

la-ment' 

se-lect' 

com-mune 

/ 

main-tain' 

trans-fer' 

cot-rect 

neg-lect' 

trans-late' 

de-part' 

of-fend' 

up-hold' 

de -stray' 

or-dain' 

un-lock' 

ex-treme' 

per-mit' 

vi'-brate 

|l 

28 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER. 


TEN   COMMANDMENTS 


1. 

2. 
3. 

4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 
9. 
10. 


Thou  no  gods  shalt  have  but  me  : 
Be-fore  no  i-dol  bend  the  knee. 
Take  not  the  name  of  God  in  vain : 
Dare  not  the  Sab-bath-day  pro-fane 
Give  both  thy  par-ents  hon-or  due 
Take  heed  that  thou  no  mur-der  do. 
Ab-stain  from  words  and  deeds  un-clean : 
Steal  not,  though  thou  be  poor  and  mean. 
Make  not  a  wilful  lie,  nor  love  it : 
What  is  thy  neigh-bor's  do  not  covet. 


SUM   OF  THE   COMMANDMENTS. 

With  all  thy  soul  love  God  a-bove, 
And  as  thy-self  thy  neigh-bor  love. 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  29 

EASY   VERSES. 

• 

In  the  sun,  the  moon,  the  sky  ; 
In  the  moun'-tain  wild  and  high  ; 
In  the  thun'-der,  in  the  rain, 
In  the  winds,  the  woods,  the  plain  ; 
In  the  lit'-tle  birds  that  sing — 
God  is  seen  in  ev'-e-ry  thing. 

GOLD'-EN   RULE. 

To  do  to  all  men  as  I  would 
That  they  should  do  to  me, 

Will  make  me  kind  and  just  and  good, 
And  so  I'll  try  to  be. 

Lord,  look  up'-on  a  lit'-tle  child, 
By  na'-ture  sin'-ful,  weak,  and  wild ; 
Oh,  put  thy  gra'-cious  hands  on  me, 
And  make  me  all  I  ought  to  be. 

The  child  who  does  what  good  he  can, 
Will  have  the  love  of  God  and  man. 

Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep, 

I  pray  the  Lord  my  soul  to  keep ; 

If  I  should  die  before  I  wake, 

I  pray  the  Lord  my  soul  to  take; 

And  this  I  ask  for  Je'-sus'  sake. 
3* 


30 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER. 


-ss&agf 


mm 


Lfod  made  the  earth, 

and  the  sea,  and  the  sky,  and 

I  all  things  in  them,  in  six  days ; 

bv\  and  all    that  was  made  was 

1  very  good. 


He  made  the  sun  to  give  light 
j|f    by  day,  and  the  moon  and  stars  by 
"^rW  night. 

^/j|§  He   made   man  and  the  beasts  of 

f  the  field,  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and  the 
fish  of  the  sea. 

Grod  will  bless  those  who  do  his  will. 
When  you  rise  in  the  morn-ing,  and  when  you 
re-tire  at  night,  give  him  thanks. 

God  will  de-strojsthe  wick-ed,  but  he  will 
for-give  those  who  re-pent  and  for-sake  sin. 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  31 

THE   SUN. 

When  the  sun  lifts  his  gold-en  head  over 
the  hills,  the  skies  and  the  earth  are  glad. 
He  goes  on  his  joy-ful  way,  till  he  gains  at 
noon  the  heiglit  of  heav-en,  and  darts  light 
and  heat  on  all  the  world  be-neath.  Then  he 
sinks  tow-ards  the  west — he  goes  down  a-mid 
the  bright  clouds. 

Have  we  lost  the  sun  ?  No ;  he  will  rise 
a-gain  an-oth-er  day,  and  move,  like  a  king, 
through  the  clear  blue  sky. 

As  the  sun  sink-ing  from  our  view,  so,  ere- 
long, must  we  all  go  to  the  grave,  and  no 
more  be-hold  the  things  of  this  world.  But 
he  that  loves  our  Lord  shall  not  be  lost ;  he 
shall  rise  from  the  grave  more  bright  than  to- 
mor-row's  sun,  and  shall  shine  at  the  right 
hand  of  God  for  ev-er. 

As  the  light  of  the  sun  re-mains  for  a  lit-tle 
while  when  he  is  set;  so,  when  the  Chris-tian 
dies,  he  leaves  be-hind  him  the  mem-o-ry  of 
his  good  deeds.  He  yields  light,  e-ven  when 
he  is  gone,  to  those  who  are  ask-ing  the  way 
to  Zi-on. 

"  Then  shall  the  righi-eous  shine  forth  as 
the  sun  in  the  king-dom  of  their  Fa-ther." 


32  THE   TRACT    PRIM  K  R. 

THE    MOON. 

The  moon  has  no  light  in  her-self,  she  is 
dark — she  takes  all  her  light  from  the  sun. 

One  half  of  her  orb  is  al-ways  bright  with 
his  beams,  though  we  see  it  not.  We  are  so 
placed,  that  the  moon  ap-pears  to  us  now  full, 
then  it  grows  less  and  less  till  it  is  but  a 
slen-der  horn,  and  then  the  whole  is  hid,  for  a 
time,  from  our  sight.  But  she  is  not  in  dark- 
ness ;  she  is  still  glow-ing  with  light. 

The  Chris-tian,  too,  is  dark  him-self ;  he  has 
no  light  of  his  own ;  he  on-ly  re-flects  the  light 
of  his  Lord.  The  grace  of  God  shines  in  him, 
and  he  is  light,  and  gives  light  to  all  a-round. 

Christ  is  his  light ;  he  looks  at  him  by  faith, 
and  grows  like  him,  in  his  soul.  Per-haps 
we  are  so  placed  that  we  do  not  al-ways  see 
the  Chris-tian's  light;  but  say  not  that  he  is 
dark  :  you  know  not  what  light  is  shin-ing  in 
his  soul — what  faith,  and  love,  and  hope  are 
work-in^  there.  If  we  be-lieve  in  Christ  Je- 
sus,  he  will  be  un-to  us  wis-dom,  and  light, 
and  love. 

"Who  is  a-mong  you  that  walk-eth  in  dark- 
ness, and  hath  no  light  ?  Let  him  trust  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  stay  upon  his  God." 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER.  33 


THE   STARRY   HEAVEN. 

Lift  up  your  eyes  on  a  clear  night,  and  see 
how  the  sky  is  sown  thick  with  stars. 

So  man-y,  and  so  bright,  are  the  peo-ple  of 
God,  and  such  will  they  ap-pear  in  the  heav- 
en of  love,  at  God's  right  hand. 

You  can-not  count  the  stars — a  might-y 
host  are  hung  far  a-way  in  the  deep,  dark 
space  be-yond  the  reach  of  your  eye. 

Nor  can  you  num-ber  the  peo-ple  of  God. 
A  great  mul-ti-tude,  from  man-y  na-tions,  are 
now  be-fore  the  throne  of  the  Lamb,  prais-ing 
him  day  and  night. 

Do  you  know  that  there  are  some  parts  of 
the  world  where  the  minds  of  men  are  so  dark', 
that  they  wor-ship  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars, 
and  call  them  gods?  They  know  not  the 
2reat  God  that  made  them. 

"When  you  look  at  the  star-ry  heav-en,  pit-y 
the  blind-ness  of  these  peo-ple,  and  give  thanks 
to  God  that  you  have  been  taught  the  way  of 
life. 

"  He  tell-eth  the  num-ber  of  the  stars ;  he 
call-eth  them  all  by  their  names." 

"  Praise  ye  him,  sun  and  moon ;  praise  him, 
all  ye  stars  of  light." 




34  THE   TRACT   PRIMKR. 


THE    RAINBOW. 

Behold,  a  rain  cloud  hangs  in  the  sky,  and 
the  sun  is  look-ing  up-on  it  from  the  oth-er 
side  of  heav-en ;  and  now,  a  lof-ty  arch  of 
man-y  col-ors  ap-pears  to  our  view.  That 
cloud  is  made  of  rain  drops,  and  the  beams  of 
the  «sun,  shin-ing  on  them  and  turned  back 
to  the  eye,  seem  like  a  bow  paint-ed  on  the 
cloud. 

Look  up-on  the  rain-bow  and  praise  him 
that  made  it.  The  hands  of  the  Most  Hio-h. 
have  bent  it ;  and  there  it  hangs,  a  faith-ful 
wit-ness  of  the  truth  of  God. 

"  I  do  set  my  bow  in  the  cloud,  and  it  shall 
be  for  a  to-ken  of  a  cov-e-nant  be-tween  me 
and  the  earth.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass, 
when  I  bring  a  cloud  o-ver  the  earth,  that  the 
bow  shall  be  seen  in  the  cloud." 

"  There  was  a  rain-bow  round  a-bout  the 
throne,  in  sight  like  un-to  an  em-e-rald." 


Trem-ble  !  yet  0,  with  love  draw  near, 
The  heav-en-ly  bow  for-bids  your  fear  ; 
The  throne  it  quite  en-cir-cles  round, 
And  grace  on  ev-e-ry  side  is  found. 


•+ — — 

THE   TRACT   PRIMER.  35 


MORNING    PRAYER,. 

Now  I  a-wake  and  see  the  light, 

Tis  God  who  kept  me  through  the  night. 

To  him  I  lift  my  voice  and  pray, 

That  he  would  keep  me  through  the  day  ; 

If  I  should  die  be-fore  'tis  done, 

0  God,  ac-cept  me  through  thy  Son. 

EVENING    PRAYER. 

Ere  on  my  bed  my  limbs  I  lay, 

0  hear,  great  God,  the  words  I  say  : 

Pre-serve,  I  pray,  my  par-ents  dear, 

In  health  and  strength  for  man-y  a  year. 

And  still,  0  Lord,  to  me  im-part 

A  gen-tle  and  a  grate-ful  heart ; 

That  af-ter  my  last  sleep  I  may 

A-wake  to  thy  e-ter-nal  day.     A-men. 

Oh,  'tis  a  love-ly  thing  for  youth, 
To  walk  be-times  in  Wis-dom's  way  ; 
To  fear  a  lie,  to  speak  the  truth, 
That  we  may  trust  to  all  they  say. 

How  do  I  pit-y  those  that  dwell 
Where  ig-no-rance  and  dark-ness  reigns  ! 
They  know  no  heav'n,  they  fear  no  hell — 
Those  end-less  joys,  those  end-less  pains  ! 


36  THE    TRACT   l'RIMKR. 


GOD   IS   IN   HEAVEN. 

God  is  in  heav-en  :  and  can  he  hear 
A  fee-ble  pray-er  like  mine  ? 

Yes,  lit-tle  child,  thou  need'st  not  fear, 
He  list-ens  now  to  thine. 

God  is  in  heav-en  :   and  can  he  see 

When  I  am  do-in£  wronjj  ? 
Yes,  child,  he  can — he  looks  at  thee 

All  day,  and  all  night  long. 

God  is  in  heav-en  :   and  would  he  know 

If  T  should  tell  a  lie  ? 
Yes,  if  thou  said'st  it  e'er  so  low, 

He'd  hear  it  in  the  sky. 

God  is  in  heav-en  :  and  can  I  go 

To  thank  him  for  his  care  ? 
Not  yet — but  love  him  here  be-low, 

And  thou  shalt  praise  him  there. 

AGTJR'S   PRAYER. 

Re-move  far  from  me  van-i-ty  and  lies ; 
give  me  nei-ther  pov-er-ty  nor  rich-es ;  feed 
me  with  food  con-ven-ient  for  mo :  lest  I  be 
full,  and  de-ny  thee,  and  say,  Who  is  the 
Lord  ?  or  lest  I  be  poor,  and  steal,  and  take 
the  name  of  my  God  in  vain.     Prov.  30  :8,  9. 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER.                              37 

What  com 

-mands  of  (rod  be- 

■gin  with  these 

words  ? 

Ask 

Get 

Put  on 

As-cribe 

Grow 

Quench  not 

A-wake 

Hear 

Re-mem-ber 

Be-hold 

Hope 

Re-pent 

Buy 

Hold  fast 

Ren-der 

Brino1 

Knock- 

Re-sist 

Call 

Keep 

Re-turn 

Come 

Learn 

Seek 

Con-sid-er 

Look 

Serve 

Choose 

Love 

Sina: 

Cleave 

Make 

Take  heed 

Draw 

Mark  ye 

Train 

De-part 

Mind  not 

Turn 

En-ter 

Of-fer 

Vis-it 

Fear 

O-pen 

Watch 

Feed 

Pray 

Wait 

Fol-low 

Praise 

Walk 

Give 

Prove 

Touch  not,  taste  not,  handle  not, 


Rum 

Gin 

Brandy 

Whiskey 


Dram 
Grog 
Sling 
Cider 


Cigar 
Tobacco 
Snuff 
Opium 


:  170H0 


38  THE    TRACT   PRIMER. 


EARLY    RISING. 

The  lark  is  up  to  meet  the  sun, 

The  bee  is  on  the  wing  ; 
The  ant  her  la-hor  has  be-gun, 

The  woods  with  mu-sic  ring. 

Shall  birds,  and  bees,  and  ants  be  wise, 
While  I  my  mo-ments  waste  ? 

0,  let  me  with  the  morn-ing  rise, 
And  to  my  du-ty  haste. 

The  Sab-bath  is  the  day  of  rest.  It  is  call- 
ed the  Lord's  Day,  be-cause  on  that  day  Je- 
sus Christ  rose  from  the  dead. 

HEATHEN. 

The  hea-then  are  those  who  wor-ship  i-dols, 
and  know  not  the  true  God.  If  you  have  the 
gos-pel,  and  do  not  o-bey  and  love  it,  you  are 
worse  in  the  sight  of  God  than  the  hea-then. 

EXAMPLE    OF    CHRIST. 

Je-sus  Christ,  my  Lord  and  Sav-iour, 
Once  became  a  child  like  me  : 

Oh,  that  in  my  whole  be-hav-ior, 
He  my  pat-tern  still  might  be. 


THE    TRACT   PRIMER. 


39 


INCIDENTS  IN  THE  LIFE  OF  CHRIST, 


SHORTHAND  SIMPLE  WORDS. 


. 


BIRTH  OF   THE    SAVIOUR. 

Je-sus  Christ  was  once  a  child  like  you.  He 
be-came  a  child  that  he  might  know  how  to 
pit-y  and  feel  for  a  child,  and  that  he  might 
show  lit-tle  chil-dren  how  they  ought  to  act. 

He  lay  with  his  moth-er  Ma-ry  in  a  man- 
ger by  the  side  of  the  cat-tie,  for  there  was  no 
room  for  them  at  the  inn.  He  was  a  poor 
child,  and  yet  he  was  the  Son  of  (rod. 

And  God  sent  a  ho-ly  an-gel  to  tell  some 


40  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 

good  men  that  took  care  of  sheep  in  the  field, 
that  the  Son  of  God  was  born  on  earth. 

It  was  night,  but  the  glo-ry  of  the  Lord  shone 
a-bout  them,  and  made  it  light  like  day. 

They  were  a-fraid,  but  the  an-gel  said,  Fear 
not ;  I  bring  you  glad  ti-dings  of  great  joy  :  a 
child  is  born  in  the  cit-y  of  Da-vid,  who  shall 
save  men  from  their  sins.  Oh,  what  good 
news  was  this  to  all  who  re-pent  of  sin,  and 
fear  the  an-ger  of  God  ! 

Then  the  an-gel  be-gan  to  sing  praise  to 
God,  and  man-y  more,  yea,  a  whole  multi- 
tude came  from  heav-en  to  join  him,  and  all 
sang  to-geth-er,  Glo-ry  to  God  on  high,  peace 
on  earth,  good  will  to  men. 

What  a  sweet  and  joy-ful  song !  Was  ev-er 
mu-sic  heard  on  earth  like  this  ?  Do  you  hope 
one  day  to  sing  the  praise  of  God  with  an-gels 
and  ho-ly  men  in  heav-en  ?  Then  you  must  for- 
sake sin,  love  God,  and  o-bey  his  law. 

The  men  who  heard  this  song  of  the  an- 
gels left  their  flocks  in  the  field,  and  went  to 
the  man-ger  to  see  the  young  child  and  wor- 
ship him.  Wise  men  al-so  came  from  a  far 
coun-try  to  see  him  ;  and  God  made  a  ver-y 
bright  star  to  go  be-fore  them  and  lead  them 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  41 

to  the  right  place.  Lo,  the  star  which  they 
saw  in  the  east  came  and  stood  o-ver  where 
the  young  child  was,  and  the  wise  men  were 
ver-y  joy-ful ;  and  when  they  came  in  to  the 
house,  they  bow-ed  down  be-fore  the  child,  and 
call-ed  him  their  Lord  and  Sav-iour. 

When  the  shep-herds  and  the  wise  men  went 
a-way,  they  told  the  good  news  to  all  they  met, 
say-ing,  Je-sus  is  born  to  save  us. 

And  the  child  grew,  and  was  wise  and  good 
in  all  his  words  and  deeds.  In  all  things  he 
did  the  will  of  God  who  sent  him,  and  he  had 
the  love  of  both  God  and  man. 

If  you  wish  to  be  like  Je-sus,  list-en  while 
he  says  to  you,  Come,  and  learn  of  me,  for  I 
am  meek  and  low-ly  in  heart,  and  you  shall 
find  peace  to  your  soul. 


CHRIST    TEMPTED. 

We  are  all  born  in  sin,  and  apt  to  do  evil. 
Sa-tan,  that  wick-ed  one  whom  God  cast  out  of 
heav-en,  tempts  us  to  wish  for  what  is  wrong, 
to  feel  an-ger  and  pride,  and  to  say  what  is  not 
true.  We  must  look  to  God  for  grace  to  keep 
us  from  e-vil  when  we  are  tempt-ed  to  sin. 

4* 


42  THE   TRACT  PRIMER. 

Sa-tan  tried  al-so  to  tempt  Je-sus  to  do  e-vil. 
It  was  when  he  had  be-come  a  man,  and  was 
a-bout  to  go  from  place  to  place  to  tell  men  he 
was  come  to  save  them.  Sa-tan  did  not  wish 
him  to  do  this,  for  he  likes  to  have  men  go  on 
in  sin. 

Je-sus  went  in-to  a  lone-ly  place  to  pray,  and 
to  think  a-bout  the  work  he  was  sent  to  do — 
this  great  work,  to  save  the  souls  of  men  and 
bring  them  to  glo-ry.  He  stay-ed  till  he  was  in 
want  of  food,  and  be-gan  to  feel  great  hun-ger. 

Then  Sa-tan  came  to  him  and  said,  If  you 
are  the  Son  of  God,  and  have  all  power,  why 
not  bid  a  stone  to  be  made  bread,  that  you 
may  have  food  to  eat  ? 

Je-sus  could  have  done  this  if  he  chose,  but 
he  knew  it  was  not  the  will  of  God,  and  would 
not  do  it.  So  he  said  to  Sa-tan,  The  Bi-ble 
tells  us,  Thou  shalt  not  live  by  bread  a-lone, 
but  by  the  word  of  God. 

Then  Sa-tan  tried  a-gain  to  tempt  Je-sus. 
He  went  with  him  to  the  top  of  a  moun-tain, 
and  made  all  the  grand  and  fine  things  in  the 
world  to  pass  be-fore  him,  and  said,  I  will  give 
all  these  to  you,  if  you  will  only  bow  down  be- 
fore me  and  ask  me  for  them.     Sa-tan  knew 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER. 


[I 

43 


that  Je-sus  had  no  house,  nor  land,  nor  mon-ey, 
and  he  made  this  of-fer  to  tempt  him. 

But  Je-sus  said,  The  law  of  God  says,  Thou 
shalt  wor-ship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  on-ly 
shalt  thou  serve*. 

Then  Sa-tan  tried  the  third  time  to  tempt 
Je-sus  ;  and  as  Je-sus  had  spo-ken  of  what  was 
in  the  Bi-ble,  he  too  made  use  of  a  verse  from 
the  ho-ly  book.  They  stood  on  the  roof  of  the 
great  tem-ple  or  house  of  God,  which  was  ver-y 
high,  and  Sa-tan  said  to  Je-sus,  If  you  are  the 
Son  of  God  in  truth,  you  can  fall  down  to  the 
ground  from  this  place  and  not  be  hurt ;  for 
the  Bible  says,  God  will  bid  his  an-gels  to  take 
care  of  you,  and  they  will  hold  you  up  in  their 
hands  and  keep  you  safe. 

But  Je-sus  said,  Get  thee  a-way,  Sa-tan ;  for 
that  ho-ly  word  says,  Thou  shalt  not  tempt  the 
Lord  thy  God. 

0  let  us  learn  from  Je-sus  to  o-bey  God,  and 
not  mind  Sa-tan  when  he  tries  to  make  us  do 
e-vil.  If  Je-sus  had  done  one  e-vil  thing,  he 
could  not  have  been  the  Sav-iour  of  man. 
But  he  was  pure,  and  had  no  stain  or  spot  of 
sin.  So  he  was  fit  to  give  his  life  for  the  sins 
of  men. 


44 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER. 


CHRIST'S  PREACHING  AND  MIRACLES. 

At  one  place  Je-sus  went  in-to  a  house  of 
wor-ship,  and  when  all  the  peo-ple  were  look- 
ing at  him,  he  took  a  Bi-ble  and  read  a  part 
of  it  where  God  said  he  would  send  his  Son 
to  the  world  to  teach  the  poor,  and  heal  the 
sick,  and  give  sight  to  the  blind,  and  joy  to 
those  who  are  sad  at  heart. 

And  when  Je-sus  had  read  this,  he  shut  the 
book,  and  said,  To-day  it  is  come  to  pass,  and 
you  see  it  and  hear  it.  And  while  he  spake 
such  kind  words,  the  eyes  of  all  the  peo-ple 
were  fix-ed  up-on  him. 

Hap-py  they  who  were  a-ble  to  look  on  that 
mild  face,  and  hear  the  words  of  love  which 
fell  from  his  lips.  We,  too,  are  hap-py,  for  we 
have  the  Bi-ble,  and  can  read  the  words  of  life. 
And  we  know  that  Je-sus  can  see  us,  and  hear 
us,  and  do  all  for  us  now,  that  he  did  for  those 
who  knew  him  on  earth. 

If  he  only  spoke  a  word,  it  was  done.  Many 
who  were  sick  and  in  grief  went  to  him  and 
ask-ed  him  to  heal  and  help  them,  and  he  did. 

One  of  the  men  who  lov-ed  Je-sus,  and  went 
a-bout  with  him,  was  Pe-ter.  In  the  house  of 
Pe-ter,  his  wife's  moth-er  was  ill  of  a  fe-ver. 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER. 


45 


Je-sus  came  and  stood  by  her,  and  bade  the 
fe-ver  de-part,  and  she  a-rose  and  went  a-bout 
as  if  she  had  not  been  ill. 

Many  such  things  as 
this  were  done  by  Je- 
:  sus.     Some  who  were 
blind,  came  and  ask- 
ed him  to  o-pen  their 
eyes.     And   he   gave 
f  sisrht  to  those  who  had 
nev-er  seen  be-fore. 
How  glad  they  must  have  been  to  see  the 
light,   and  the  sky,   and  the   grass,   and  the 
trees,  and  the  faces  of  those  they  loved. 

When  those  who  were  blind  cri-ed  to  Je-sus 
to  help  them,  he  told  them  that  if  they  had 
faith  in  him,  he  would  give  them  sight. 

What  is  it  to  have  faith  in  Christ  ?  It  is  to 
be  sure  that  he  can  and  will  do  just  as  he  has 
said,  and  that  he  is  a-ble  to  give  us  all  we  ask. 
Our  souls  need  to  be  cured  of  sin,  and  made 
clean  and  ho-ly.  None  can  do  this  for  us  but 
Je-sus.  He  shed  his  blood  for  us,  and  if  we 
have  faith  in  him,  he  will  do  for  us  all  we 
need,  for  he  is  full  of  pit-y,  and  his  pow-er  is 
as  great  as  his  mer-cy. 


46 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER. 


RAISING  THE   WIDOW'S   SON. 

Once  Je-sus  met  a  great  many  men  com-ing 
out  of  a  eit-y,  who  brought  with  them  the  dead 
bod-y  of  a  young  man.  They  were  go-ing  to 
put  it  in  the  earth.  The  moth-er  of  the 
W  young  man  came  with  them  ver-y  sad, 


Ulfflll  VJlffr.  M 


for  he  was  her  on-ly  son.     And 

'  Je-sus,  when  he  saw  her,  had 

;  pit-y  for  her,  and  said, 

Weep  not. 


Then  he  came  to  the  dead  bod-y  and  said, 
Young  man,  a-rise !     And  he  that  had  been 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER..  47 

dead  sat  up  and  be-gan  to  speak,  and  Je-sus 
gave  him  to  his  moth-er,  and  he  went  home 
with  her. 

Was  there  not  then  great  joy  in  the  heart 
of  that  moth-er»?  Did  she  not  talk  much,  and 
often,  with  her  son,  a-bout  him  who  had  done 
so  much  for  them  ? 

When  Je-sus,  at  the  last  day,  shall  say  to 
the  dead,  A-rise  !  may  we  also  hear  his  voice 
with  joy.  Oh,  how  hap-py  will  they  be  who 
meet  him  in  the  clouds,  and  go  with  him  to 
heav-en. 


CHRIST   ON  THE   SEA. 

Some  of  the  men  who  lov-ed  Je-sus  used  to 
go  on  the  sea  in  a  boat,  or  small  ship,  to  catch 
fish.  Once,  when  Je-sus  was  with  them,  they 
tried  all  night  and  could  not  catch  an-yfish. 
But  Je-sus  told  them  where  to  cast  the  net, 
and  then  they  drew  it  up  full  of  fish.  All  the 
fish  in  the  sea  are  his,  and  he  knows  where 
they  all  are. 

Once  these  men  were  in  a  ship,  and  Je-sus 
was  not  with  them,  and  the  wind  blew  ver-y 
hard.  They  were  a-fraid  that  the  ship  would 
be  bro-ken,  and  that  they  would  all  be  lost. 


48  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


Then  they  saw  some  one  com-ing  to  them 
on  the  wa-ter.  This  made  them  fear  the  more  ; 
for  it  was  a  strange  sight  to  see  one  walk  on 
the  wa-ter,  and  not  sink. 

But  He  who  was  on  the  wa-ter  spoke,  and 
said,  Be  of  good  cheer ;  it  is  I ;  be  not  a-fraid. 
Then  they  knew  the  voice  of  Je-sus,  and  ver-y 
glad  were  they  to  have  him  come  to  them  in 
the  ship.  And  the  wind  blew  no  lon-ger,  and 
the  ship  was  soon  at  the  land. 

One  oth-er  time,  when  there  was  a  great 
storm,  Je-sus  was  a-sleep  in  the  ship  ;  and  they 
came  to  wake  him,  for  they  knew  his  pow-er, 
and  felt  sure  that  he  could  help  them. 

So  they  said,  Lord,  save  us,  or  we  shall  sink 
and  die.  And  Je-sus  a-rose  and  said,  Why  do 
you  fear  ?  Why  have  you  not  more  faith  ?  Then 
he  told  the  wind  to  cease,  and  the  waves  to  be 
still,  and  all  at  once  there  was  a  great  ealm. 
And  those  who  saw  it  said,  Who  can  this  be, 
that  the  winds  and  the  sea  o-bey  him  ? 

Je-sus,  who  could  still  the  waves,  can  give 
peace  to  our  minds.  He  can  free  us  from 
en-vy,  an-ger,  and  fear,  and  all  that  would 
dis-turb  our  joy  and  re-pose.  When  we  are 
in  troub-le,  he  can  speak  a  kind  word  to  our 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  49 


souls,  and  all  will  be  calm.  How  sweet  it  is 
to  live  near  to  Je-sus  !  May  the  time  soon  come 
when  all  the  world  shall  know  and  love  him. 


THE   RULER'S  DAUGHTER. 

Once  there  came  a  man  to  Je-sus  in  great 
sor-row.  He  was  a  ru-ler  a-mong  the  peo-ple, 
but  rich-es  and  hon-or  can-not  keep  a  man 
from  grief,  or  pain,  or  death.  When  he  saw 
Je-sus,  he  fell  at  his  feet,  and  said,  My  lit-tle 
daugh-ter  is  ver-y  ill ;  I  fear  she  will  die. 
Come,  I  pray  thee,  and  lay  thy  hands  on  her, 
that  she  may  live. 

Just  then  an-oth-er  came  from  the  house, 
and  said,  She  is  dead ;  you  need  not  ask  him  to 
come — it  will  be  of  no  use.  They  did  not  be- 
lieve that  Je-sus  had  pow-er  to  make  those  live 
a-gain  who  had  once  died.  But  Je-sus  said  to 
the  fa-ther,  Be  not  a-fraid ;  on-ly  have  faith. 

And  he  went  with  him  to  the  house ;  and 
when  he  came  to  the  room  where  the  young 
dam-sel  lay  dead,  he  took  hold  of  her  hand, 
and  said,  A-rise  !  And  she  rose,  and  walked 
a-bout  as  if  she  had  not  been  dead,  or  ill. 

How  kind  is  Je-sus  to  those  who  love  him ! 


50  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


THE    SOUL    CANNOT    DIE. 

Sweet  day,  so  cool,  so  calm,  so  bright, 
Bridal  of  earth  and  sky, 

The  dew  shall  weep  thy  fall  to-night ; 
For  thou  must  die  ! 

Sweet  rose,  in  air  whose  odors  wave 
And  beauty  charms  the  eye, 

Thy  root  is  ever  in  its  grave, 
And  thou  must  die  ! 

Sweet  spring,  of  days  and  roses  made, 
Whose  sweets  around  us  lie, 

Thy  days  depart,  thy  roses  fade  ; 
For  thou  must  die  ! 

Only  a  sweet  and  holy  soul 

Hath  charms  that  never  fly  : 

While  flowers  decay,  and  seasons  roll, 
It  cannot  die. 


Whatsoever  things  are  true, 
Whatsoever  things  are  honest, 
Whatsoever  things  are  just, 
Whatsoever  things  are  pure, 
Whatsoever  things  are  lovely- 
Think  on  these  things.     Phil.  4  :  8. 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER.  51 


DR.   WATTS'    CRADLE    HYMN. 

Hush,  my  dear,  lie  still  and  slumber ; 

Holy  angels  guard  thy  bed  ; 
Heavenly  blessings  without  number, 

Gently  falling  on  thy  head. 

Sleep,  my  babe,  thy  food  and  raiment, 
House  and  home,  thy  friends  provide  ; 

And  without  thy  care,  or  payment, 
All  thy  wants  are  well  supplied 

■  How  much  better  thou'rt  attended, » 

Than  the  Son  of  God  could  be, 
When  from  heaven  he  descended, 
And  became  a  child  like  thee. 

Soft  and  easy  is  thy  cradle  ; 

Coarse  and  hard  thy  Saviour  lay, 
When  his  birthplace  was  a  stable, 

And  his  softest  bed  was  hay. 

Blessed  babe  !  what  glorious  features — 
Spotless,  fair,  divinely  bright ! 

Must  he  dwell  with  brutal  creatures  ? 
How  could  angels  bear  the  sight ! 

Was  there  nothing  but  a  manger, 

Curbed  sinners  could  afford, 
To  receive  the  heavenly  stranger  ? 

Did  tliey  thus  affront  the  Lord  ? 


52  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


Soft,  my  child,  I  did  not  chide  thee, 

Though  my  song  might  sound  too  hard  ; 

Tis  thy  mother  sits  heside  thee, 
And  her  arms  shall  be  thy  guard. 

Yet,  to  read  the  shameful  story 

How  the  Jews  abused  their  King, 
How  they  served  the  Lord  of  glory, 

Makes  me  angry  while  I  sing. 
See  the  kinder  shepherds  round  him, 

Telling  wonders  from  the  sky  ; 
Where  they  sought  him,  there  they  found  him, 

"With  his  virgin  mother.by. 

See  the  lovely  babe  a  dressing  ! — 

Lovely  infant,  how  he  smiled  ; 
When  he  wept,  the  mother's  blessing 

Soothed  and  hushed  the  holy  Child. 

Lo,  he  slumbers  in  the  manger, 

Where  the  horned  oxen  fed — 
Peace,  my  darling,  here's  no  danger, 

There's  no  oxen  near  thy  bed. 

'Twas  to  save  thee,  child,  from  dying 
Save  my  dear  from  burning  flame, 

Bitter  groans,  and  endless  crying, 
That  thy  blest  Redeemer  came. 

May' st  thou  live  to  know  and  fear  him, 
Trust  and  love  him  all  thy  days  ; 

Then  go  dwell  for  ever  near  him, 
See  his  face,  and  sing  his  praise  ! 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  53 


I  could  give  thee  thousand  kisses, 
Hoping  what  I  most  desire  ; 

Not  a  mother's  fondest  wishes 
Can  to  greater  joys  aspire. 


EASY  QUESTIONS  FOR  LITTLE  CHILDREN. 

Q.    Who  was  the  first  man  ? 

A.  Adam. 

Q.    Who  was  the  first  woman  ? 

A.  Eve. 

Q.    Who  was  the  first  murderer  ? 

A.  Cain. 

Q.    Who  was  the  first  martyr  ? 

A.  Abel. 

Q.    Who  was  the  oldest  man? 

A.  Methuselah. 

Q.    Who  built  the  ark  ? 

A.  Noah. 

Q.    Who  was  the  most  faithful  man  ? 

A.  Abraham. 

Q.    Who  was  the  meekest  man  ? 

A.  Moses. 

Q.    Who  was  the  most  patient  man  ? 

A.   Job. 

Q.    Who  wrestled  with  the  angel  of  God  ? 

A.  Jacob. 

5* 


54  THE   TRACT  PRIMER. 

Q.    Who  led  Israel  into  Canaan? 

A.  Joshua. 

Q.    Who  was  the  strongest  man  ? 

A.  Samson. 

Q.    Who  killed  Goliath  ? 

A.  David. 

Q.    Who  was  the  wisest  man  ? 

A.  Solomon. 

Q.    Who  was  cast  into  the  lion's  den  ? 

A.  Daniel. 

Q.    Who  died  to  redeem  mankind? 

A.  Jesus  Christ. 

Q.    Who  is  Jesus  Christ? 

A.  The  Son  of  God. 

Q.    Who  was  the  mother  of  Christ? 

A.  Mary. 

Q.    Who  was  the  beloved  disciple  ? 

A.   John. 

Q.    Who  betrayed  his  Lord  and  Saviour? 

A.  Judas. 

Q.    Who  denied  his  Master,  Christ? 

A.  Peter. 

Q.    Who  were  struck  dead  for  lying? 

A.  Ananias  and  Sapphira. 

Q.    Who  was  the  first  Christian  martyr? 

A.  Stephen. 

Q.    Who  was  the  chief  apostle  of  the  Gentiles  ? 

A.  Paul. 


THE    TRACT   PRIMER. 


55 


DR.    WATTS'   FIRST    CATECHISM 


FOR    CHILDREN. 


Q.    Can  you  tell  me,  child,  who  made  you  ? 

A.  The  great  Grod  who  made  heaven  and 
earth. 

Q.    What  doth  God  do  for  you? 

A.  He  keeps  me  from  harm  by  night  and 
by  day,  and  is  always  doing  me  good. 

Q.  And  what  must  you  do  for  this  great  God  who  is 
so  good  to  you  ? 

A.  I  must  first  learn  to  know  him,  and  then 
do  every  thing  to  please  him. 

Q.  Where  doth  God  teach  us  to  know  and  to  love 
him? 

A.  In  his  holy  word,  which  is  contained  in 
the  Bible. 

Q.    Have  you  learned  to  know  who  God  is? 

A.  Grod  is  a  Spirit ;  and  though  we  cannot 
see  him,  yet  he  sees  and  knows  all  things,  and 
he  can  do  all  things. 

Q.    What  must  you  do  to  please  God  ? 

A.  I  must  do  my  duty  both  towards  God 
and  towards  man. 


56 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER. 


Q.    What  is  your  duty  to  God  ? 

A.  My  duty  to  God  is,  to  fear  and  honor 
him,  and  to  love  and  serve  him,  to  pray  to  him, 
and  to  praise  him. 

Q.    What  is  your  duty  to  man  ? 

A.  My  duty  to  man  is,  to  obey  my  parents, 

to  speak  the  truth  always,  and  to  be  honest, 

and  kind  to  all. 

Q.  What  good  do  you  hope  for,  by  seeking  to  please 
God? 

A.  Then  I  shall  be  a  child  of  God,  and  have 

God  for  my  Father  and  Friend  for  ever. 

Q.  And  what  if  you  do  not  fear  God,  nor  love  him, 
nor  seek  to  please  him  ? 

A.  Then  I  shall  be  a  wicked  child,  and  the 
great  God  will  be  very  angry  with  me. 

Q.    Why  are  you  afraid  of  God's  anger  ? 

A.  Because  he  can  kill  my  body,  and  he  can 

make  my  soul  miserable  after  my  body  is  dead. 

Q.  But  have  you  never  done  any  thing  to  make  God 
angry  with  you  already  ? 

A.  Yes,  I  fear  I  have  too  often  sinned  against 
God,  and  deserved  his  anger. 

Q.    What  do  you  mean  by  sinning  against  God  ? 

A.  To  sin  against  God  is,  to  do  any  thing 
that  God  forbids  me,  or  not  to  do  what  God 
commands  me. 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  57 

Q.  And  what  must  you  do  to  be  saved  from  the 
anger  of  God,  which  your  sins  have  deserved  ? 

A.  I  must  be  sorry  for  my  sins  ;  I  must  pray 
to  God  to  forgive  me  what  is  past,  and  serve 
him  better  for  the  time  to  come. 

Q.    Will  God  forgive  you  if  you  pray  for  it  ? 

A.  I  hope  he  will  forgive  me  if  I  trust  in 
his  mercy,  for  the  sake  of  what  Jesus  Christ 
has  done,  and  what  he  has  suffered. 

Q.    Do  you  know  who  Jesus  Christ  is? 

A.  He  is  God's  own  Son,  who  came  down 
from  heaven  to  save  us  from  our  sins,  and  from 
God's  anger. 

Q.    What  has  Christ  done  towards  the  saving  of  men  ? 

A.  He  obeyed  the  law  of  God  himself,  and 
has  taught  us  to  obey  it  also. 

Q.   And  what  has  Christ  suffered  in  order  to  save  men  ? 

A.  He  died  for  sinners,  who  had  broken  the 
law  of  God,  and  had  deserved  to  die  them- 
selves. 

Q.    Where  is  Jesus  Christ  now  ? 

A.  He  is  alive  again,  and  gone  to  heaven, 
to  provide  a  place  there  for  all  that  serve  God 
and  love  his  Son  Jesus. 

Q.    Can  you  of  yourself  love  and  serve  God  and  Christ? 

A.  No,  I  cannot  do  it  of  myself,  but  God 


58  THE   TRACT  PRIMER. 

will  help  me  by  his  own  Spirit,  if  I  ask  him 
for  it. 

Q.   Will  Jesus  Christ  ever  come  again? 

A.  Christ  will  come  again,  and  call  me  and 
all  the  world  to  account  for  what  we  have 
done. 

Q.   For  what  purpose  is  this  account  to  he  given? 

A.  That  the  children  of  God,  as  well  as  the 
wicked,  may  all  receive  according  to  their 
works. 

Q.   What  must  become  of  you  if  you  are  wicked? 

A.  If  I  am  wicked  I  shall  be  sent  down  to 
everlasting  fire  in  hell,  among  wicked  and 
miserable  creatures. 

Q.  And  whither  shall  you  go  if  you  are  a  child  of 
God? 

A.  If  I  am  a  child  of  God  I  shall  be  taken 

up  to  heaven,  and  dwell  there  with  God  and 

Christ  for  ever.     Amen. 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  59 

THE 

CHILD'S   SCRIPTURE   CATECHISM; 

WITH   ANSWERS 
IN  THE   LANGUAGE   OF   THE   BIBLE. 


1 .  Who  made  you  ? 

The  Lord  God  formed  man  of  the  dust  of 
the  ground.     Gen.  2  :  7. 

2.  How  are  you  made? 

I  am  fearfully  and  wonderfully  made.   Psalm 
139  :  14. 

3.  For  what  are  you  made  ? 

Glorify  God  in  your  body,  and  in  your  spirit, 
which  are  God's.     1  Cor.  6  :  20. 

4.  What  is  God  ? 

God  is  a  Spirit.     John  4  :  24. 

5.  What  is  the  character  of  God  ? 
God  is  love.     1  John,  4  :  8. 

6.  Is  he  also  just  and  holy  ? 

A  God  of  truth  and  without  iniquity;  just 
and  right  is  he.     Deut.  32  :  4. 

7.  Whom  docs  God  love  ? 

I  love  them  that  love  me.     Prov.  8  :  17. 


60  THE   TRACT  PRIMER. 

8.  Does  God  love  wicked  people  ? 

Grod  is  angry  with  the  wicked  every  day. 
Psalm  7  :  11. 

9.  Should  a  little  child  like  you  remember  God  ? 
Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of 

thy  youth.     E coles.  12  :  1. 

10.  Can  God  see  you  ? 

Thou  G-od  seest  me.     Gen.  16  :  13. 

11.  Is  God  in  every  place,  seeing  every  thing  ? 
The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  in  every  place, 

beholding  the  evil  and  the  good.    Prov.  15  :  3. 

12.  Does  God  hear  all  you  say? 

There  is  not  a  word  in  my  tongue,  but  lo, 
0  Lord,  thou  knowest  it  altogether.  Psalm 
139  : 4. 

1 3 .  Does  God  know  all  your  thoughts  ? 

I  know  the  things  that  come  into  your  mind, 
every  one  of  them.     Ezek.  11:5. 

14.  Is  the  Bible  the  word  of  God  ? 

All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspiration  of  Grod. 
2  Tim.  3  :  16. 

15.  What  are  the  Scriptures  able  to  do  for  you  ? 
The  holy  Scriptures  which  are  able  to  make 

thee  wise  unto  salvation.     2  Timothy,  3  :  15. 

16.  Are  you  commanded  to  read  the  Bible  ? 
Search  the  Scriptures.     John  5  :  39. 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  61 

17.  What  should  the  Bible  be  to  you  ? 

A  lamp  unto  my  feet,  and  a  light  unto  my 
path.     Psalm  119  :  105. 

18.  If  you  love  the  word  of  God,  will  it  preserve  you 
from  sin  ? 

Thy  word  have  I  hid  in  my  heart,  that  I 
might  not  sin  against  thee.     Psalm  119  :  11. 

19.  What  promise  does  God,  in  the  Bible,  make  to 
little  children  ? 

Those  that  seek   me   early  shall  find   me. 

Prov.  8  :  17. 

20.  What  does  God  promise,  in  the  Bible,  to  the 
Christian  in  trouble  ? 

I  will  be  with  him  in  trouble.   Psalm  91 :  15. 

21.  What  does  he  promise  in  sickness  ? 

The  Lord  will  strengthen  him  upon  the  bed 
of  lansruishin^ :  thou  wilt  make  all  his  bed  in 
his  sickness.     Psalm  41  :  3. 

22.  What  does  he  promise  the  Christian  when  dying  ? 
Though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the 

shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil :  for  thou 
art  with  me  ;  thy  rod  and  thy  staff  they  com- 
fort me.     Psalm  23  :  4. 

23 .  What  does  he  promise  in  poverty  ? 

The  Lord  is  my  shepherd  ;  I  shall  not  want. 
Psalm  23  : 1. 

24.  What  promise  does  he  make  to  the  orphan  ? 

A  father  of  the  fatherless,  and  a  judge  of  the 


62  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


widows,  is  God  in  his  holy  habitation.    Psalm 
68:5. 

25.  What  does  he  promise  to  the  aged  ? 

Even  to  your  old  age  I  am  he  ;  and  even  to 
hoar  hairs  will  I  carry  you :  I  have  made,  and 
I  will  bear  ;  even  I  will  carry,  and  will  deliver 
you.     Isaiah  46  :  4. 

26.  Do  all  things  benefit  God's  children? 

All  things  work  together  for  good,  to  them 
that  love  God.     Rom.  8  :  28. 

27.  Where  do  all  our  blessings  come  from? 
Every  good   gift  and   every  perfect  gift  is 

from  above,  and  cometh  down  from  the  Father 
of  lights.     James  1  :  17. 

28.  Are  you  a  sinner  ? 

All  have  sinned,  and  come  short  of  the  glory 
of  God.     Rom.  3  :  23. 

29 .  How  did  sin  enter  into  the  world  ? 

By  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world.  Rom. 
5:12. 

30.  Will  sinners  go  to  hell  ? 

The  wicked  shall  be  turned  into  hell.  Psalm 
9:17. 

3 1 .  How  can  your  soul  be  saved  ? 

Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  thou 
shalt  be  saved.     Acts  16  :  31. 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  63 


32.  For  what  did  the  Lord  Jesus  come  into  the  world  ? 
Christ  Jesus  came  into  the  world  to  save 

sinners.     1  Tim.  1  :  15. 

33.  Is  Christ  God? 

Who  is  over  all,  God  blessed  for  ever.    Rom. 

9:5. 

34.  Is  Christ  from  eternity? 

The  same  was  in  the  beginning  with  God. 
John  1  :  2. 

35.  Did  Christ  make  all  things  ? 

All  things  were  made  by  him  ;  and  without 
him  was  not  any  thing  made  that  was  made. 

John  1:3. 

36.  Is  Christ  unchangeable  ? 

Jesus  Christ  the  same  yesterday,  and  to-day, 
and  for  ever.     Heb.  13  :  8. 

37.  Does  Christ  know  all  things  ? 

Lord,  thou  knowest  all  things.    John  21 :  17. 

38.  Can  Christ  do  all  things  ? 

All  power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and 
in  earth.     Matt.  28  :  18. 

39.  Should  Christ  he  worshipped  as  God? 

All  men  shall  honor  the  Son,  even  as  they 
honor  the  Father.     John  5  :  23. 

40.  Did  the  disciples  worship  Christ  ? 

And  when  they  saw  him,  they  worshipped 
him.     Matt.  28  :  17. 


I 

64  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 

41.  Did  Christ  forgive  sins  ? 

But  that  ye  may  know  that  the  Son  of  man 
hath  power  on  earth  to  forgive  sins,  ( then  saith 
he  to  the  sick  of  the  palsy,)  Arise,  take  up  thy 
bed,  and  go  unto  thine  house.     Matt.  9  :  6. 

42.  Can  any  one  forgive  sins  but  God  ? 

Who  can  forgive  sins  but  God  only  ?  Mark 
2:7. 

43.  What  does  God  the  Father  say  of  Christ? 
Thy  throne,  0  God,  is  for   ever   and   ever. 

Heb.  1  :  8. 

44.  Did  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  become  man  ? 
God  was  manifest  in  the  flesh.    1  Tim.  3 :  16. 

45.  Did  he  confirm  his  doctrines  by  miracles  ? 
Believe  me  for  the  very  works'  sake.     John 

14:11. 

46.  Were  his  miracles  numerous? 

And  many  other  signs  truly  did  Jesus  in  the 
presence  of  his  disciples,  which  are  not  writ- 
ten in  this  book.     John  20  :  30. 

47.  How  did  he  employ  himself  on  earth? 

He  went  about  doing  good.     Acts  10  :  38. 

48.  Is  Christ  the  only  Saviour? 

There  is  none  other  name  under  heaven 
given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved. 
Acts  4 :  12. 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER.  65 

49.  Is  Christ  the  only  Mediator  ? 

One  Mediator  between  God   and   men,  the 
man  Christ  Jesus.     1  Tim.  2  :  5. 

50.  Is  Christ  our  Advocate  ? 

We  have  an  Advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus 
Christ  the  righteous.     1  John,  2:1. 

51.  Does  Christ  make  intercession  for  us? 

"Who  also  maketh  intercession  for  us.    Rom. 
3:34. 

52.  Does  Christ  love  little  children,  and  desire  them 
to  come  to  him  ? 

Jesus  said,  Suffer  little  children,  and  forbid 

them  not,  to  come  unto  me.     Matt.  19  :  14. 

53.  Have  you  a  wicked  heart? 

The  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  things,  and 
desperately  wicked.     Jer.  17  :  9. 

54.  Do  very  young  children  sin? 

They  go  astray  as  soon  as  they  be  born, 
speaking  lies.     Psalm  58  :  3. 

55.  What  is  the  sentence  of  God's  law  against  sinners  ? 
The  soul  that  sinneth,  it  shall  die  ?     Ezek. 

18  :  20. 

56.  How  then  can  you  get  to  heaven  ? 

Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  see 
the  kingdom  of  God.     John  3  :  3. 

57.  What  is  it  to  be  born  again? 

6* 


66  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


Be  renewed  in  the  spirit  of  your  mind. 
Eph.  4  :  23. 

58.  How  can  we  know  that  a  person  is  born  again  ? 
Whatsoever  is  born  of  God,  overcometh  the 

world.     1  John,  5  :  4. 

59.  What  has  the  Holy  Spirit  to  do  with  our  being 
born  again  ? 

Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the 

Spirit,  he  cannot  enter  into  the   kingdom  of 

God.     John  3  :  5. 

60.  Are  we  renewed  by  the  Holy  Ghost  ? 

He  saved  us  by  the  washing  of  regeneration, 
and  renewing  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     Titus  3:5. 

61.  Is  the  Holy  Ghost  in  Scripture  called  God? 
Why  hath  Satan  filled  thine  heart  to  lie  to 

the  Holy  Ghost  ?     Thou   hast  not  lied   unto 
men,  but  unto  God.     Acts  5:3,  4. 

62.  What  are  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit  ? 

The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  love,  joy,  peace,  long- 
suffering,  gentleness,  goodness,  faith,  meekness, 
temperance.     Gal.  5  :  22,  23. 

63.  Can  a  person  be  a  Christian  without  showing  that 
he  is  one  by  his  conduct  ? 

By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them.     Matt. 

7:20. 

64.  Must  you  pray  ? 

Men  ought  always  to  pray.     Luke  18  :  1. 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  67 

65.  Must  you  pray  for  all  you  want  ? 

In  every  thing  by  prayer  and  supplication 
with  thanksgiving  let  your  requests  be  made 
known  unto  God.     Phil.  4  :  6. 

66.  In  whose  name  must  we  pray  ? 
Whatsoever  ye  shall  ask  in  my  name,  that 

will  I  do.     John  14  :  13. 

67.  Does  Christ  say  he  will  grant  your  requests? 
Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you.     Matt.  7  :  7. 

68.  Will  your  prayers  be  answered  if  you  continue  in 
sin  ? 

If  I  regard  iniquity  in  my  heart,  the  Lord 

will  not  hear  me.     Psalm  66  :  18. 

69.  Should  we  pray  for  others  as  well  as  ourselves? 

I  exhort  therefore,  that,  first  of  all,  sup- 
plications, prayers,  intercessions,  and  giving 
of  thanks,  be  made  for  all  men.     1  Tim.  2:1. 

70.  Does  God  forbid  profane  language  ? 

Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord 
thy  God  in  vain.     Exod.  20  :  7. 

71.  How  will  God  treat  those  who  use  profane  lan- 
guage? 

The  Lord  will  not  hold  him  guiltless  that 

taketh  his  name  in  vain.     Exod.  20  :  7. 

72.  Is  it  wrong  to  swear  at  all  ? 

Swear  not,  neither  by  heaven,  neither  by  the 
earth,  neither  by  any  other  oath.     Jas.  5  :  12. 


68  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 

73.  How  must  you  keep  the  Sabbath  ? 
Remember  the  Sabbath-day  to  keep  it  holy. 
Exod.  20  :  8. 

74.  For  whom  was  the  Sabbath  made  ? 

The  Sabbath  was  made  for  man.  Mark 
2:27. 

75.  When  was  the  Sabbath  instituted  ? 

He  rested  on  the  seventh  day  from  all  his 
work  which  he  had  made ;  and  God  blessed 
the  seventh  day,  and  sanctified  it.  Genesis 
2  :  2,  3. 

76.  What  did  God  promise  the  Israelites  if  they  kept 
the  Sabbath  holy  ? 

If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from  the  Sab- 
bath, from  doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day, 
and  call  the  Sabbath  a  delight,  the  holy  of  the 
Lord,  honorable ;  and  shalt  honor  him,  not 
doing  thine  own  ways,  nor  finding  thine  own 
pleasure,  nor  speaking  thine  own  words  :  then 
shalt  thou  delight  thyself  in  the  Lord,  and  I 
will  cause  thee  to  ride  upon  the  high  places 
of  the  earth.     Isaiah  58  :  13,  14. 

77.  Should  children  obey  their  parents  ? 
Children,  obey  your  parents  in  all  things, 

for  this  is  well-pleasing  unto  the  Lord.     Col. 
3:20. 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER.  69 


78.  What  does  the  Bible  say  about  children  who  are 
disrespectful  to  their  parents*? 

Cursed  be  he  that  setteth  light  by  his  father 

or  his  mother.     Deut.  27  :  16. 

79.  Should  you  treat  the  ased  with  respect  ? 
Thou  shalt  rise  up  before  the  hoary  head, 

and    honor  the   face   of  the   old  man.     Lev. 
19  :  32. 

80.  Ought  parents  to  let  their  children  do  wrong ;  or 
should  they  train  them  in  the  right  way  ? 

Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go ; 

and  when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it. 

Prov.  22  :  6. 

81.  Does  God  command  parents  to  punish  their  chil- 
dren when  they  do  wrong  ? 

Chasten  thy  son  while  there  is  hope,  and 

let  not  thy  soul  spare  for  his  crying.     Prov. 

19  :  18. 

82.  What  did  God  say  to  Eli  for  not  restraining  his 
children  when  doing  wrong  ? 

I  have  told  him,  that  I  will  judge  his  house 

for  ever,  for  the  iniquity  which  he  knoweth : 

because  his  sons  made  themselves  vile,  and  he 

restrained  them  not.     1  Sam.  3  :  13. 

83.  Are  you  forbidden  to  commit  murder  ? 
Thou  shalt  not  kill.     Exod.  20  :  13. 


70  THE   TRACT  PRIMER. 

84.  What  does  the  Bible  say  of  the  person  who  hates 
his  brother  ?  * 

Whosoever  hateth  his  brother  is  a  murderer. 
1  John,  3  :  15. 

85.  May  you  retain  angry  feelings  ? 

Let  not  the  sun  go  down  upon  your  wrath. 
Eph.  4  :  26. 

86.  Should  we  return  evil  for  evil  ? 

Say  not,  I  will  do  so  to  him  as  he  hath  done 
to  me.     Prov.  24  :  29. 

87.  Does  the  Bible  forbid  indecent  language  ? 

Let  no  corrupt  communication  proceed  out 
of  your  mouth.     Eph.  4  :  29. 

88.  What  does  our  Saviour  say  about  the  pure  in 
heart  ? 

Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart ;  for  they  shall 

see  God.     Matt.  5  :  8. 

89.  Is  it  right  to  take  any  thing  that  does  not  belong 
to  you  ? 

Thou  shalt  not  steal.     Exod.  20  :  15. 

90.  Are  false  weights  and  measures  forbidden  ? 

A  false  balance  is  abomination  to  the  Lord. 
Prov.  11  :  1. 

91.  Is  all  cheating  forbidden? 

That  no  man  go  beyond  and   defraud   his 
brother  in  any  matter.     1  Thess.  4  :  6. 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  71 


92.  Is  it  a  sin  to  refuse  to  pay  a  just  debt  ? 

The  wicked  borroweth,  and  payeth  not  again. 
Psalm  37  :  21. 

93.  Is  all  falsehood  forbidden  ? 

Speak  every  man  truth  with  his  neighbor. 
Eph.  4  :  25. 

94.  How  does  God  regard  liars  ? 

Lying  lips  are  abomination  to  the  Lord. 
Prov.  12  :  22. 

95.  What  will  become  of  all  liars  ? 

All  liars  shall  have  their  part  in  the  lake 
which  burnetii  with  fire  and  brimstone.  Rev. 
21:8. 

96.  Is  it  a  sin  to  raise  a  false  report? 

Thou  shalt  not  raise  a  false  report.  Exod. 
23:1. 

97.  Is  it  sinful  to  spread  a  false  report? 

Thou  shalt  not  go  up  and  down  as  a  tale- 
bearer among  thy  people.     Lev.  19  :  16. 

98.  Are  you  forbidden  to  covet? 

Thou  shalt  not  covet.     Rom.  13  :  9. 

99.  Is  covetousness  an  offence  against  God  ? 
Covetousness  which  is  idolatry.     Col.  3  :  5. 

100.  What  does  the  Bible  say  of  the  love  of  money  ? 
The  love  of  money  is  the  root  of  all  evil. 

1  Tim.  6  :  10. 


72 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


101.  Can  a  covetous  person  be  satisfied? 

He  that  loveth  silver  shall  not  be  satisfied 
with  silver ;  nor  he  that  loveth  abundance 
with  increase.     Eccles.  5  :  10. 

102.  Should  we  be  contented  with  our  condition? 

I  have  learned  in  whatsoever  state  I  am, 
therewith  to  be  content.     Phil.  4  :  11. 

103.  Is  it  sinful  to  set  our  hearts  upon  worldly  things  ? 
Love  not  the  world,  neither  the  things  that 

are  in  the  world.     1  John,  2  :  15. 

104.  May  we  sin  in  small  things  as  well  as  in  great? 
Whosoever  shall  keep  the  whole  law,  and 

yet  offend   in   one   point,  he   is   guilty  of  all. 
James  2  :  10. 

105.  Which  had  you  rather  have,  a  good  character, 
or  a  great  deal  of  money  ? 

A  good  name  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than 
oreat  riches.     Prov.  22  :  1. 

106.  Is  the  possession  of  riches  attended  with  danger? 
I  say  unto  you,  That  a  rich  man  shall  hardly 

enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Matt.  19:23. 

107.  Is  any  thing  more  valuable  than  the  soul? 
What  shall  it  profit  a  man,  if  he  shall  gain 

the  whole  world,  and  lose  his  own  soul?   or 
what  shall  a  man  give  in  exchange  for  his 


soul  ? 


Mark  8  :  36,  37. 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  73 

108.  Are  you  commanded  to  be  charitable  and  gen- 
erous ? 

To  do  good,  and  to  communicate,  forget 
not ;  for  with  such  sacrifices  God  is  well- 
pleased.     Heb.  13  :  16. 

109.  To  whom  must  we  do  good? 

As  we  have  therefore  opportunity,  let  us  do 
good  unto  all  men,  especially  unto  them  who 
are  of  the  household  of  faith.     Gal.  6  :  10. 

110.  Can  poor  persons  be  as  charitable  and  liberal  as 
the  rich  ? 

If  there  be  first  a  willing  mind,  it  is  accept- 
ed according  to  that  a  man  hath,  and  not  ac- 
cording to  that  he  hath  not.     2  Cor.  8  :  12. 

111.  How  must  you  act  when  people  continue  to  treat 
you  badly  ? 

Love  your  enemies,  bless  them  that  curse 
you,  do  good  to  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray 
for  them  which  despitefully  use  you  and  per- 
secute you.     Matt.  5  :  44. 

112.  What  is  the  consequence  of  intemperance  in  this 
world  ? 

The  drunkard  and  the  glutton  shall  come  to 

poverty.     Prov.  23  :  21. 

113.  What  will  become  of  drunkards  in  the  world  to 
come  ? 

Nor  thieves,  nor  covetous,  nor   drunkards, 

7 


74 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


nor  revilers,  nor  extortioners,  shall  inherit  the 
kingdom  of  God.     1  Cor.  6  :  10. 

114.  If  such  are  the  consequences  of  drunkenness  in 
this  world  and  in  the  next,  should  you  expose  yourself  to 
temptation  ? 

Look  not  thou  upon  the  wine  when  it  is 

red,  when  it  giveth  its  color  in  the  cup,  when 

it  moveth  itself  aright :  at  the  last  it  biteth 

like   a   serpent,  and   stingeth   like   an   adder. 

Prov.  23  :  31,  32. 

115.  Should  you  not  be  willing  to  give  up  the  use  of 
intoxicating  liquors,  if  your  example  may  be  the  means 
of  making  others  intemperate  ? 

It  is  good  neither  to  eat  flesh,  nor  to  drink 

wine,  nor  any  thing  whereby  thy  brother  stum- 

bleth,  or  is  offended,  or  is  made  weak.     Rom. 

14  :  21. 

116.  Is  it  safe  to  go  to  the  place  of  temptation  ? 
Avoid  it,  pass  not  by  it,  turn  from  it,  and 

pass  away.     Prov.  4  :  15. 

1 1 7.  How  can  you  resist  the  temptations  of  the  devil  ? 
Put  on  the  whole  armor  of  God,  that  ye  may 

be  able  to  stand  against  the  wiles  of  the  devil. 
Eph.  6  :  11. 

118.  What  does  Christ  say  about  peace-makers'? 
Blessed  are  the  peace-makers  ;  for  they  shall 

be  called  the  children  of  God.     Matt.  5  :  9. 


\h 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER.  75 

119.  Should  you  be  selfish?  was  Christ  selfish? 
Even   Christ   pleased    not   himself.      Rom. 

15:3. 

120.  Is  it  right  to  be  idle? 

An    idle   soul    shall    suffer    hunger.      Prov. 

19  :  15. 

121.  Ought  you  to  control  your  temper  ? 

He  that  is  slow  to  anger  is  better  than  the 
mighty  ;  and  he  that  ruleth  his  spirit,  than  he 
that  taketh  a  city.     Prov.  16  :  32. 

122.  Should  you  be  kind  and  polite  ? 
Be  courteous.     1  Peter,  3  :  8. 

123.  Is  it  proper  to  answer  a  person  harshly  ? 

A  soft  answer  turneth  away  wrath.  Prov. 
15  :  1. 

124.  Is  it  right  to  flatter? 

A  man  that  flattereth  his  neighbor  spreadeth 
a  net  for  his  feet.     Prov.  29  :-5. 

125.  Is  the  way  of  transgressors  easy  ? 

The  way  of  transgressors  is  hard.  Prov. 
13  :  15. 

126.  How  is  the  way  of  the  righteous  ? 

Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness,  and  all 
her  paths  are  peace.     Prov.  3  :  17. 

127.  Are  wicked  persons  happy? 

There  is  no  peace,  saith  the  Lord,  unto  the 
wicked.     Isaiah  48  :  22. 


76  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


128.  Must  you  die? 

It  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to  die,  but 
after  this  the  judgment.     Heb.  9  :  27. 

129.  How  did  death  come  into  the  world  ? 

By  one  man  sin  entered  into  the  world,  and 
death  by  sin.     Rom.  5  :  12. 

130.  What  does  the  Bible  say  of  Christians  when 
they  die  ? 

Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord. 

Rev.  14  :  13. 

131.  Can  Christians  triumph  over  death? 

Death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory.  1  Cor. 
15  :  54. 

132.  Who  gives  them  the  victory? 

Thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us  the 
victory,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  1  Cor. 
15  :  57. 

133.  Will  they  come  to  life  again? 

The  hour  is  coming,  in  the  which  all  that 
are  in  the  graves  shall  hear  his  voice,  and  shall 
come  forth.     John  5  :  28,  29. 

134.  Will  the  body  be  raised  ? 

This  mortal  must  put  on  immortality.  1  Cor. 
15  :  53. 

135.  Shall  you  stand  before  the  judgment-seat  of  God 
to  be  judged  ? 

I  saw  the  dead,  small  and  great,  stand  before 


THE    TRACT   PRIMER.  77 


God  ;  and  the  books  were  opened  ;  and  another 
book  was  opened,  which  is  the  book  of  life : 
and  the  dead  were  judged  out  of  those  things 
which  were  written  in  the  books,  according  to 
their  works.     Rev.  20  :  12. 

136.  What  will  Jesus  say  to  those  who  love  him,  at 
the  day  of  judgment  ? 

Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the 

kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation 

of  the  world.     Matt.  25  :  34. 

137.  What  will  Jesus  say  to  the  wicked  at  the  day  of 
judgment? 

Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlasting 

fiie,  prepared    for  the   devil   and    his   angels. 

Matt.  25  :  41. 

138.  Has  Christ  prepared  a  place  for  those  who  love 
him? 

I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you.  John  14  :  2. 

139.  Will  all  who  go  there  be  completely  happy? 
In  thy  presence   is  fulness  of  joy :  at  thy 

right  hand  are  pleasures  for  evermore.    Psalm 

16:11. 

140.  Do  the  inhabitants  of  heaven  have  any  suffering  ? 
God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from  their 

eyes ;  and  there  shall  be  no  more  death,  nei- 
ther sorrow,  nor  crying,  neither  shall  there  be 
any  more  pain.     Rev.  21  :  4. 

7* 


78  THE   TRACT  TRIMER. 

141.  Is  it  an  easy  thing  to  get  to  heaven? 

Strive  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate  ;  for 
many,  I  say  unto  you,  will  seek  to  enter  in, 
and  shall  not  be  able.     Luke  13  :  24. 

142.  Do  all  men  love  and  seek  the  joys  of  heaven? 
Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither 

have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man,  the  things 
which  God  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love 
him  ;  but  God  hath  revealed  them  unto  us  by 
his  Spirit.     1  Cor.  2  :  9,  10. 

143.  What  is  your  whole  duty  to  God  and  man? 
Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all 

thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all 
thy  mind ;  and  thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor 
as  thyself.     Matt.  22  :  37,  39. 

144.  How  can  we  show  our  love  to  God? 

If  ye  love  me,  keep  my  commandments. 
John  14  :  15. 

145.  How  can  you  always  know  how  you  should  act 
to  others  ? 

As  ye  would  that  men  should  do  to  you,  do 

ye  also  to  them  likewise.     Luke  6  :  31. 

146.  What  does  God  ask  you  to  do  now,  in  the  days 
of  your  youth  ? 

Wilt  thou  not  from  this  time  cry  unto  me, 

My  Father,  thou  art  the  guide  of  my  youth  ? 

Jer.  3  :  4. 


THE    TRACT  PRIMER.  79 

147.  If  you  take  God  as  your  guide,  what  will  he 
require  of  you  ? 

What  doth  the  Lord  require  of  thee,  but  to 

do  justly,  and    to    love   mercy,  and    to  walk 

humbly  with  thy  God  ?     Micah  6  :  8. 

148.  What  is  the  sum  of  true  religion? 

Let  us  hear  the  conclusion  of  the  whole, 
matter :  Fear  God,  and  keep  his  command- 
ments ;  for  this  is  the  whole  duty  of  man. 
For  God  shall  bring  every  work  into  judgment, 
with  every  secret  thing,  whether  it  be  good,  or 
whether  it  be  evil.     Eccl.  12  :  13,  14. 

THE   LORD'S   PRAYER. 

Our  Father,  which  art  in  heaven, 

Hallowed  be  thy  name. 

Thy  kingdom  come. 

Thy  will  be  done  in  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven. 

Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread. 

And  forgive  us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our 
debtors. 

And  lead  us  not  into  temptation ; 

But  deliver  us  from  evil. 

For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power, 
and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 


80 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


THE   TEN   COMMANDMENTS. 

I.  Thou  shalt  have  no  other  gods  before  me. 

II.  Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee  any 
graven  image,  or  any  likeness  of  any  thing 
that  is  in  heaven  above,  or  that  is  in  the  earth 
beneath,  or  that  is  in  the  water  under  the 
earth :  thou  shalt  not  bow  down  thyself  to 
them,  nor  serve  them  :  for  I  the  Lord  thy  God 
am  a  jealous  God,  visiting  the  iniquity  of  the 
fathers  upon  the  children  unto  the  third  and 
fourth  generation  of  them  that  hate  me  ;  and 
showing  mercy  unto  thousands  of  them  that 
love  me,  and  keep  my  commandments. 

III.  Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the 
Lord  thy  God  in  vain :  for  the  Lord  will  not 
hold  him  guiltless  that  taketh  his  name  in 
vain. 

IV.  Remember  the  Sabbath-day  to  keep  it 
holy.  Six  days  shalt  thou  labor,  and  do  all 
thy  work  :  but  the  seventh  day  is  the  Sabbath 
of  the  Lord  thy  God :  in  it  thou  shalt  not  do 
any  work,  thou,  nor  thy  son,  nor  thy  daughter, 
thy  man-servant,  nor  thy  maid-servant,  nor 
thy  cattle,  nor  thy  stranger  that  is  within  thy 
gates :  for  in  six  days  the  Lord  made  heaven 


THE    TRACT   PRIMER.  81 

and  earth,  the  sea,  and  all  that  in  them  is,  and 
rested  the  seventh  day :  wherefore  the  Lord 
blessed  the  Sabbath-day,  and  hallowed  it. 

V.  Honor  thy  father  and  thy  mother ;  that 
thy  days  may  be  long  upon  the  land  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee. 

VI.  Thou  shalt  not  kill. 

VII.  Thou  shalt  not  commit  adultery. 

VIII.  Thou  shalt  not  steal. 

IX.  Thou  shalt  not  bear  false  witness  against 
thy  neighbor. 

X.  Thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  house, 
thou  shalt  not  covet  thy  neighbor's  wife,  nor 
his  man-servant,  nor  his  maid-servant,  nor  his 
ox,  nor  his  ass,  nor  any  thing  that  is  thy  neigh- 
bor's.    Exodus  20  :  3-17. 

THE    SUM  OF  THE   TEN   COMMANDMENTS. 

Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all 
thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all 
thy  mind.  This  is  the  first  and  great  com- 
mandment. 

And  the  second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt 
love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself. 

On  these  two  commandments,  hang  all  the 
law  and  the  prophets.     Matt.  22  :  37-40. 


82 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


THE  STORY  OF  REDEEMING  LOVE. 

Come,  listen,  while  our  song  shall  show 
How  Christ,  our  Saviour,  walked  below  ; 
And  why,  from  realms  of  bliss  on  high, 
The  King  of  kings  came  down  to  die  ! 
God  loved  the  guilty  world,  and  gave 
His  only  Son  our  souls  to  save. 
Prophets  foretold  his  coming  day  ; 
A  messenger  prepared  his  way, 
And  sent  the  joyful  shout  abroad — 
"  Zion  !  behold  your  King  and  God  !" 


THE    TRACT  PRIMER.  83 

CHRIST  LIVING. 

No  selfish  grief  he  ever  felt, 

No  anger  in  his  bosom  dwelt ; 

But  thoughts  of  love,  of  praise,  and  prayer, 

Like  cloudless  sunshine,  rested  there. 

■ 

His  very  foes  were  forced  to  tell, 

That  no  man  ever  spoke  so  well ; 

And  wondering  crowds  with  gladness  hung 

On  the  sweet  accents  of  his  tongue. 

Such  mighty  power  was  in  his  hand, 
All  nature  bowed  at  his  command  : 
The  stormy  winds  his  will  obeyed, 
The  raging  waves  by  him  were  stayed  :  • 
The  dead  arose  to  bless  his  name, 
The  dumb  went  forth  to  tell  his  fame  : 
He  bade  the  lame  to  walk — the  ear 
That  long  was  closed,  his  voice  to  hear  ; 
His  word  gave  eyesight  to  the  blind, 
And  healed  the  poor  bewildered  mind. 

Sinners  like  wandering  sheep  he  sought, 
And  to  the  fold  in  safety  brought ; 
And  holy  sorrow  filled  his  eye, 
That  any  in  their  sins  should  die. 
The  great  deceiver  of  mankind 
In  him  no  evil  thing  could  find  ; 
Thought,  word,  and  deed  alike  Mere  free 
From  folly  and  iniquity. 


34  THE   TRACT  PRIMER. 


By  sore  temptation  pained  and  tried, 

The  world  and  Satan  he  defied. 

God's  word  his  sword  and  sure  defence, 

He  said  to  Satan,  "  Get  thee  hence  !" 

And  in  his  lone  and  fainting  hour, 

He  triumphed  o'er  the  tempter's  power. 


CHRIST   DYING. 

They  led  him  to  a  death  of  shame ; 
They  called  him  hy  a  traitor's  name  ; 
His  flesh  with  nails  was  rudely  torn, 
His  head  was  crowned  with  piercing  thorn  ; 
His  angry  foes  for  vengeance  cried, 
His  dearest  friends  forsook  his  side  : 
One  who  had  vowed  with  him  to  die, 
His  very  name  did  now  deny. 
Deep  sorrows  compassed  him  about, 
Hope  for  a  time  seemed  quite  shut  out, 
And  e'en  his  heavenly  Father's  face 
Withdrew  its  wonted  smile  of  grace. 
The  darkened  sun  refused  to  see 
That  hour  of  sharpest  agony, 
When  Christ  such  mighty  anguish  bore — 
But  men  reviled  and  mocked  the  more. 

Yet  in  that  dreadful  hour  he  felt 
His  heart  with  love  and  pity  melt. 
He  marked  his  mother's  look  of  woe, 
Her  tears  of  bitter  anguish  flow, 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  85 

And  gave  her  to  the  tender  care 

Of  one  who  watched  in  friendship  there. 

He  listened  to  the  humble  cry 

Of  a  repentant  sinner  nigh, 

And  spake  sweet  promises  to  cheer 

His  fainting  soul,  and  calm  his  fear. 

The  cruel  men  that  wrought  his  death, 

He  prayed  for  with  his  parting  breath ; 

Asked  that  their  sins  might  be  forgiven, 

And  blotted  from  the  book  of  heaven. 

Then,  as  he  bowed  his  head  and  died, 

"  '  Tis  finished"  with  loud  voice  he  cried. 

His  pangs  were  o'er,  his  soul  of  love 

Passed  to  the  Paradise  above. 

Creation  trembled  as  he  went : 

The  earth  did  quake,  the  rocks  were  rent ; 

And  through  the  crowd  the  murmur  ran, 

"  Truly  this  was  a  righteous  man  !" 


CHRIST    RISING. 

In  vain  they  watch — the  mighty  stone 

Is  rolled  away  ;  the  Lord  is  gone  ! 

He  came  to  die,  but  death  is  o'er — 

He  lives  !    He  reigns  for  evermore  ! 

'Twas  He  the  earth's  foundations  laid  ; 

'Twas  He,  sun,  moon,  and  stars  that  made. 

Eternity  beheld  him  stand, 

God's  "  fellow,"  high  at  his  right  hand  ; 
8 


86  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


And  with  the  equal  Spirit,  shave 
Infinite  power  and  glory  there. 
No  robber  of  his  Father's  throne, 
He  claimed  its  honors  as  his  own  ; 
While  holy  angels  him  confessed, 
God  over  all,  and  ever  blessed. 
Behold  him,  as,  on  earth  again, 
He  shows  himself  alive  to  men  ! 
Behold  him,  as  his  friends  draw  near, 
Their  Master's  latest  charge  to  hear  ; 
Till,  rising  to  the  heaven  of  light, 
A  cloud  receives  him  from  their  sight  ! 
Behold  him  now,  at  God's  right  hand  : 
The  world  is  given  to  his  command  ; 
And  daily  blessings  still  record 
The  love  of  our  ascended  Lord  ! 
For  rebels  still  he  intercedes  ; 
For  them  his  sacrifice  he  pleads. 
Still  in  his  word,  we  hear  him  say, 
"  I  am  the  Life,  the  Truth,  the  Way  '" 


FREELY  FORGIVING   SIN. 

On  Calvary's  cross  the  Saviour  d*ied, 
That  sinners  might  be  justified, 
And,  washed  in  his  atoning  blood, 
Might  stand  before  a  holy  God. 
Pardon  to  guilty  man  is  given, 
As  freely  as  the  light  of  heaven. 


THE   TRACT  PRIMER.  87 


No  price  from  him  does  God  demand, 
He  asks  no  labor  from  his  hand. 
Rebels  condemned  can  nothing  give — s 
This  is  the  word,  "  Believe,  and  live. 
For  Christ's  sake,  all  their  sins  shall  be 
Cast  to  the  bottom  of  the  sea  ; 
Their  souls  exalted  to  his  throne, 
And  counted  holy  like  his  own. 
So  did  the  dying  Saviour  prove 
The  strength  of  God's  almighty  love 
So  did  the  Father's  pardoning  grace, 
Shine  in  the  great  Redeemer's  face. 


COMING  TO  JUDGMENT. 

Once  on  this  guilty  earth  he  trod, 
The  patient,  suffering  Lamb  of  God  ; 
And  once  again,  in  clouds  of  light, 
While  sinners  tremble  at  the  sight, 
As  Sovereign  Judge,  shall  Jesus  come, 
To  speak  their  everlasting  doom. 
Then,  on  that  great  and  solemn  day, 
When  heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 
All  who  within  their  graves  have  lain, 
Shall  rise  from  dust  and  live  again, 
With  those  who,  long  forgotten,  sleep 
In  the  dark  caverns  of  the  deep. 

Behold  !  "the  great  white  throne  "  is  set ; 
All  nations  round  that  throne  are  met : 


88 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 


Safe  gathered  at  their  Lord's  right  hand, 
His  ransomed  people  joyful  stand. 
But  who  are  those,  of  hope  bereft, 
Weeping  and  wailing  on  the  left  ? 
These  are  the  unbelieving  race, 
Whose  stubborn  hearts  despised  his  grace  ; 
Too  late  their  folly  they  deplore — 
The  voice  of  mercy  speaks  no  more. 
Driven  from  the  face  of  God,  they  go 
To  darkness  and  eternal  woe. 
0  what  a  fearful  truth  is  this — 
"God  ivith  the  ivicked  angry  is." 
Their  sins  he  never  will  forgive, 
Till  in  the  Saviour  they  believe, 
And  trust  his  perfect  righteousness 
Their  lost,  polluted  souls  to  dress. 


The  years  of  man  full  quickly  pass, 
Just  like  the  blade  of  tender  grass  : 
To-day,  all  green  and  fresh  'tis  found — 
To-morrow,  withered  on  the  ground  : 
The  child  is  full  of  life  to-day — 
To-morrow,  sleeping  in  the  clay. 
And  where  shall  sinful  children  fly 
To  hide  from  God's  all-searching  eye, 
When  he  shall  bid  his  trumpet  sound, 
And  raise  their  bodies  from  the  ground  ? 
On  rocks  and  mountains  they  may  call, 
Upon  their  trembling  souls  to  fall ; 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER.  89 

But  they  shall  find  no  hiding-place 
From  an  offended  Saviour's  face. 


INVITATION  TO   CHRIST. 

Come,  all  ye  weary  ones,  and  rest 
On  Jesus'  sympathizing  breast ! 
For  you  he  came  to  earth  and  died, 
For  you  was  pierced  his  bleeding  side  ; 
The  heart  that  bore  your  sorrows  then, 
Still  feels  for  all  the  woes  of  men. 
In  heaven's  bright  courts  he  sits  alone 
Upon  the  Mediator's  throne  ; 
Sharing  with  none  that  glorious  name 
He  won  through  agony  and  shame  ; 
And  saints  and  angels  join  to  raise 
To  him  adoring  songs  of  praise, 
And  own  him  worthy  to  receive 
The  noblest  honors  they  can  give. 
There,  from  his  high,  exalted  seat, 
He  welcomes  sinners  to  his  feet ; 
Invites  the  weary  to  his  breast, 
And  promises  to  give  them  rest. 

Come,  listen  to  his  voice  to-day, 

Nor  for  another  hour  delay. 

If  you  adore  the  boundless  love 

That  brought  him  from  his  throne  above  ; 

And  mourn  to  think  your  heart  should  hide 

The  sins  for  which  he  groaned  and  died  ; 

8* 


90  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 

And  long  to  walk  from  day  to  day, 
Like  him,  in  wisdom's  pleasant  way  ; 
Like  him,  to  spend  your  earthly  days 
In  showing  the  Creator's  praise  ; 
To  mark  each  step  the  Saviour  trod, 
And  walk,  like  Enoch,  with  your  God  ; 
Behold,  he  ready  stands  to  hless 
Your  soul  with  peace  and  holiness. 
Come,  then,  he  will  his  grace  impart, 
Create  anew  the  stony  heart, 
Melt  it  like  wax  before  the  flame, 
And  stamp  it  with  his  own  bright  name. 

Then  shall  his  word,  with  steady  light, 
Direct  your  youthful  footsteps  right ; 
'Twill  be  as  honey  to  your  taste — 
More  cheering  than  a  plenteous  feast ; 
More  precious  than  the  golden  ore, 
Or  rubies  from  the  merchant's  store. 

0  seek  him,  then,  with  all  your  mind, 
For  those  who  early  seek  shall  find. 
Children  within  his  arms  he  pressed, 
And  laid  his  hands  on  them,  and  blessed. 
He  watches  o'er  his  flock  for  good, 
And  feeds  his  lambs  with  heavenly  food. 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER.  91 

VERSE   CATECHISM  ABOUT   CHRIST. 
Q.    Do  you  know  who  Jesus  Christ  is  ? 

A.  He  is  the  al-migh-ty  Son  of  God, 

Al-thousrn  he  took  our  flesh  and  blood. 

O 

Q.    What  did  Christ  suffer  to  save  men? 

A.  Nailed  to  a  cross,  with  an-guish  sore 
The  pun-ish-raent  of  sin  he  bore. 

Q.    Was  it  not  great  love  in  Christ  to  die  for  such  as 
you? 

A.  In-deed  this  was  a-maz-ing  love  ; 

It  ought  the  hard-est  heart  to  move. 

Q.    How  can  the  death  of  Christ  be  made  of  use  to 
us? 

A.  By  faith  we  must  to  Je-sus  cleave, 
And  life  and  death  from  him  re-ceive. 

Q.    Can  you  of  yourself  bring  your  heart  to  love 
Christ  and  hate  sin  ? 

A.  A-las,  so  hard  my  heart  has  been, 
It  loves  not  Christ,  nor  grieves  for  sin. 

Q.    How  then  can  your  heart  be  made  to  love  Christ 
and  forsake  sin  ? 

A.  Grod,  by  his  Spir-it,  can  im-part 
A  lov-ing,  meek,  and  ho-ly  heart. 


92  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 

Q.    To  whom  does  the  Bible  say  this  blessing  will  be 
given  ? 

A.  Through  Je-sus  Christ,  this  gift  of  heav-en 
To  all  who  tru-ly  ask,  is  giv-en. 

Q.    Where  is  Christ  now  ? 
A.  In  heav-en  he  fills  a  glo-ri-ous  seat, 
And  an-gels  bow  be-neath  his  feet. 

Q.    Will  Christ  ever  come  again? 
A.  One  day,  the  Lord  will  sure-ly  come  ; 
The  dead  will  live,  and  hear  their  doom. 

GOODNESS   OF   GOD. 

Lord,  when  I  count  thy  mer-cies  o'er, 
They  strike  me  with  sur-prise  ; 

Not  all  the  sands  that  spread  the  shore 
To  e-qual  num-bers  rise. 

LOVE   TO   GOD. 

When  I  look  up  to  yon-der  sky, 

So  pure,  so  bright,  so  won-drous  high, 

I  think  of  One  I  can-not  see, 

But  One  who  sees  and  cares  for  me. 

His  name  is  God  :  he  gave  me  birth, 
And  ev-e-ry  liv-ing  thing  on  earth  ; 
And  ev-e-ry  tree  and  plant  that  grows, 
To  the  same  hand  its  be-in jj  owes. 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER.  93 


'Tis  he  my  dai-ly  food  provides, 
And  all  that  I  re-quire  be-sides  ; 
And  when  I  close  my  slum-b'ring  eye, 
I  sleep  in  peace,  for  he  is  nigh. 

Then  sure-ly  I  should  ev-er  love 
This  gra-cious  God  who  reigns  a-bove  ; 
For  ver-y  kind  in-deed  is  he, 
To  love  a  lit-tle  child  like  me. 

VERSE:    BY   JOHN   BTJNYAN. 

He  that  is  down,  needs  fear  no  fall ; 

He  that  is  low,  no  pride  : 
He  that  is  hum-ble,  ev-er  shall 

Have  God  to  be  his  guide. 

TRY  AGAIN. 
Here's  a  les-son  all  should  heed — 

Try,  try,  try  a-gain. 
If  at  first  you  don't  suc-ceed, 

Try,  try,  try  a-gain. 
Let  your  cour-age  well  ap-pear  ; 
If  you  on-ly  per-se-vere, 
You  will  con-quer — nev-er  fear — 

Try,  try,  try  a-gain. 

Twice  or  thrice,  though  you  should  fail, 

Try  a-gain. 
If  at  last  you  would  pre-vail, 

Try  a-gain. 


94  THE   TRACT  PRIMER. 

When  you  strive,  there's  no  dis-grace, 
Though  you  fail  to  win  the  race  ; 
Brave-ly,  then,  in  such  a  case, 

Try,  try,  try  a-gain. 

Let  the  thing  be  e'er  so  hard, 
Try  a-gain. 

Time  will  sure-ly  bring  re-ward — 
Try  a-gain. 

That  which  oth-er  folks  can  do, 

Why,  with  pa-tience,  may  not  you  ? 

Why,  with  fa-tience,  may  not  you  ? 
Try,  try,  try  a-gain. 


A   MINUTE. 

A  minute,  how  soon  it  is  flown  ! 
And  yet,  how  important  it  is  ! 
God  calls  every  moment  his  own, 
For  all  our  existence  is  his  : 
And  though  we  may  waste  them  in  folly  and  play. 
He  notices  each  that  we  squander  away. 

We  should  not  a  minute  despise, 
Although  it  so  quickly  is  o'er  ; 
We  know  that  it  rapidly  fires, 

And  therefore  should  prize  it  the  more. 
Another,  indeed,  may  appear  in  its  stead, 
But  that  precious  minute  for  ever  is  fled. 


THE    TRACT   PRIMER.  95 


'Tis  easy  to  squander  our  years 
In  idleness,  folly,  and  strife  ; 
But  oh  !  no  repentance  nor  tears 
Can  bring  back  one  moment  of  life. 
Then  wisely  improve  all  of  time  as  it  goes, 
And  life  will  be  happy,  and  peaceful  the  close. 

MAXIMS. 

Let  order  o'er  your  time  preside, 
And  method  all  your  business  guide 


One  thing  at  once  be  still  besrun, 


Contrived,  resolved,  pursued,  and  done. 

Hire  not  for  what  yourself  can  do, 
And  send  not  when  yourself  can  go 

Ne'er  till  to-morrow's  light  delay 
What  might  as  well  be  done  to-day. 

Think  not  a  life  of  labor  hard, 
Health  is  its  rich  and  sure  reward. 

And  let  it  be  your  constant  plan, 
To  compass  all  the  good  you  can  ; 
Still  following  Him,  'mid  gain  and  loss, 
Who  died  for  sinners  on  the  cross  ; 
That  by  his  love  and  pardoning  grace, 
High  heaven  may  be  your  dwelling-place. 


96 


THE    TRACT   PRIMER. 


EMBLEMS   OF   CHRIST. 

1.  I  am  the  Bread  of  Life.     John  6  :  35. 

Is  he  compared  to  Wine  or  Bread  ? 
Dear  Lord,  our  souls  would  thus  he  fed  : 
That  fleshy  that  dying  blood  of  thine, 
Is  bread  of  Iri^s,.  is 'heavenly  wine. 

2.  There  shall  come  forth  a  rod  out  of  the 
stem  of  Jesse,  and  a  branch  shall  grow  out  of 
his  roots.     Isa.  11:1. 

Is  he  a  Tree  ?     The  world  receives 
Salvation  from  his  healing  leaves  ; 


TPIE   TRACT   PRIMER.  97 

That  righteous  branch,  that  fruitful  bough, 
Is  David's  root  and  offspring  too. 

3.  I  am  the  Rose  of  Sharon,  and  the  Lily  of 
the  valleys.     Solomon's  Song  2:1. 

Is  he  a  Rose  ?    Not  Sharon  yields 
A  flower  so  fragrant  in  her  fields  ; 
Or,  if  the  Lily  he  assume, 
The  valleys  bless  the  rich  perfume. 

4.  I    am  the  Vine,  ye   are  the    branches'. 
John  15  :  5. 

Is  he  a  Vine  ?    His  heavenly  root 
Supplies  the  boughs  with  life  and  fruit : 
0  let  a  lasting  union  join 
My  soul,  the  branch,  to  Christ  the  Vine. 

5.  Christ  is  the  Head  of  the  Church — for 
we  are  members  of  his  body.  Eph.  5  :  23, 
30.  k 

Is  he  the  Head  ?     Each  member  lives, 
And  owns  the  vital  powers  he  gives  : 
The  saints  below,  and  saints  above, 
Joined  by  his  Spirit  and  his  love. 

C.  In  that  day  there  shall   be  a   Fountain 

opened  to  the  house  of  David,  and  to  the  in- 

9 


98  THE   TRACT   PRIMER. 

habitants  of  Jerusalem,  for  sin  and   for  un- 
cleanness.     Zech.  13  :  1. 

Is  he  a  Fountain  ?    There  I  bathe, 
And  heal  the  plague  of  sin  and  death  ; 
These  waters  all  my  soul  renew, 
And  cleanse  my  spotted  garments  too. 

7.  Who  may  abide  the  day  of  his  coming  ? 
and  who  shall  stand  when  he  appeareth  ?  for 
he  is  like  a  refiner's  fire.     Malachi  3  :  2. 

Is  he  a  Fire  ?   He'll  purge  my  dross, 
But  the  true  gold  sustains  no  loss  : 
Like  a  refiner,  shall  he  sit 
And  tread  the  refuse  with  his  feet. 

8.  They  drank  of  that  spiritual  Rock  that 
followed  them ;  and  that  Rock  was  Christ, 
1  Cor.  10  :  4. 

Is  he  a  Rock  ?   How  firm  he  proves  ! 
The  Rock  of  Ages  never  moves  ; 
Yet  the  sweet  streams  that  from  him  flow, 
Attend  us  all  the  desert  through. 

9.  I  am  the  Way,  and  the  Truth,  and  the 
Life.  No  man  cometh  unto  the  Father  but  by 
me.     John  14  :  6. 


THE   TRACT   PRIMER.  99 

Is  he  a  Way  ?   He  leads  to  God, 
The  path  is  drawn  in  lines  of  blood  ; 
There  would  I  walk  with  hope  and  zeal, 
Till  I  arrive  at  Zion's  hill. 

10.  He  that  ftntereth  not  by  the  door  into 
the  sheepfold,  but  climbeth  up  some  other 
way,  the  same  is  a  thief  and  a  robber.  I  am 
the  Door :  by  me  if  any  man  enter  in,  he  shall 
be  saved,  and  shall  go  in  and  out,  and  find 
pasture.     John  10  :  1,  9. 

Is  he  a  Door  ?   I'll  enter  in  : 
Behold  the  pastures  large  and  green, 
A  paradise  divinely  fair  ! 
None  but  the  sheep  have  access  there. 

11.  The  stone  which  the  builders  refused 
is  become  the  head  stone  of  the  corner.  Psa. 
118:22. 

Is  he  designed  a  Corner-Stone, 
For  men  to  build  their  faith  upon  ? 
I'll  make  him  my  foundation  too, 
Nor  fear  the  plots  of  hell  below. 

12.  And  I  saw  no  temple  therein ;  for  the 
Lord  God  Almighty  and  the  Lamb  are  the 
Temple  of  it.     Rev.  21  :  22. 


100  THE    TRACT   PRIMER. 


Is  he  a  Temple  ?    I  adore 
Th'  indwelling  majesty  and  power  ; 
And  still  to  this  most  holy  place, 
Where'er  I  pray,  I  turn  my  face. 

13.  I  Jesus  am  the  bright  and  Morning-Star. 
Rev.  22  :  16. 

Is  he  a  Star  ?    He  breaks  the  night, 
Piercing  the  shades  with  dawning  light  : 
I  know  his  glories  from  afar, 
I  know  the  bright,  the  Morning-Star. 

14.  Unto  you  that  fear  his  name,  shall  the 
Sun  of  righteousness  arise.     Malachi  4  :  2. 

Is  he  a  Sun  ?    His  beams  are  grace, 
His  course  is  joy  and  righteousness  ; 
Nations  rejoice  when  he  appears, 
To  chase  their  clouds  and  dry  their  tears. 

Nor  earth,  nor  seas,  nor  sun,  nor  stars, 
Nor  heaven  his  full  resemblance  bears  ; 
His  beauties  we  can  never  trace, 
Till  we  behold  him  face  to  face. 


God  so  loved  the  world  that  he  gave  his 
only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth 
in  Him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlast- 
ing life.     John  3  :  16. 


THE    TRACT   PRIMER.  101 


THE    PEARL. 

The  world  their  fancied  pearl  may  crave, 

'Tis  not  the  pearl  for  me  ; 
'Twill  dirti  its  lustre  in  the  grave, 

'Twill  moulder  in  the  sea. 
But  there's  a  Pearl  of  price  untold, 
Which  never  can  be  bought  or  sold, 

The  sinking  soul  'twill  save — 
0  that's  the  pearl  for  me. 


THE    SONG. 

Let  pleasure  chant  her  syren  song, 

'Tis  not  the  song  for  me  ; 
To  weeping  it  will  turn  ere  long, 

For  this  is  heaven's  decree  : 
But  there's  a  song  the  ransomed  sing 
To  Jesus,  their  exalted  King, 

With  joyful  heart  and  tongue — 
0  that's  the  sons;  for  me. 


By  that  pure  and  silent  stream, 

Sheltered  from  the  scorching  beam, 

Shepherd,  Saviour,  Guardian,  Guide, 

Keep  me  ever  near  thy  side. 
9* 


102  THE    TRACT   PRIMER. 


GOLDEN  MAXIM  OF  SIR  MATTHEW  HALE. 

A  Sabbath  well  spent 

Brings  a  week  of  content, 
And  strength  for  the  toils  of  the  morrow  ; 

But  a  Sabbath  profaned, 

Whatsoever  be  gained, 
Is  a  certain  forerunner  of  sorrow. 


THE    SHEPHERD   MY  GUIDE. 

With  thy  counsel  thou  shalt  guide  me, 
0  thou  Shepherd  of  the  flock  ; 

Safe  from  every  tempest  hide  me, 
Fixed  upon  the  Living  Rock. 

Poor  and  needy,  0  receive  me, 
Be  thy  rod  my  staff  and  stay  ; 

And  that  blessed  portion  give  me 
Which  no  power  can  take  away. 


THE   SAME. 

Shepherd  of  thy  little  flock, 
Lead  me  to  the  shadowing  rock, 
Where  the  richest  pasture  grows, 
Where  the  livinjr  water  flows. 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER. 


103 


MILLENNIAL   TEXT. 


also  shall 
I  we  11  with  the 


and 


V  .sJ^jeai. 


shall  lie  down 
with  the: 


the 


and  the 
>  i  young 


and  the  fatling  together, 


;  r ; 


and  a  little 


shall  lead  them. 


ISA.  II  :6. 


104  THE    TRACT   PRIMER. 

DUTY  OF   CHILDREN   TO  PARENTS. 

Ye  shall  fear  every  man  his  mother  and  his 
father.     Lev.  19  :  3. 

My  son,  hear  the  instruction  of  thy  father, 
and  forsake  not  the  law  of  thy  mother.  Prov. 
1:8. 

For  God  commanded,  saying,  Honor  thy 
father  and  thy  mother :  and  he  that  curseth 
father  or  mother,  let  him  die  the  death.  Matt. 
15:4. 

Children,  obey  your  parents  in  the  Lord ; 
for  this  is  right.  Honor  thy  father  and  thy 
mother,  (which  is  the  first  commandment  with 
promise,)  that  it  may  be  well  with  thee,  and 
that  thou  may  est  live  long  on  the  earth.  Eph. 
6  :  1-3. 

Children,  obey  your  parents  in  all  things ;  for 
this  is  well-pleasing  unto  the  Lord.    Col.  3 :  20. 


DUTIES   TO   AGED   PERSONS. 

Thou  shalt  rise  up  before  the  hoary  head, 
and  honor  the  face  of  the  old  man,  and  fear 
thy  G-od  :  I  am  the  Lord.     Lev.  19  :  32. 

Likewise,  ye  younger,  submit  yourselves 
unto  the  elder.     1  Pet.  5  :  5. 


THE    TRACT    PRIMER. 


105 


FAMILY   WORSHIP. 


lii:',    , ' 


':i^;^''i)]I!Hiy 


/> 


>fc 


/  Pi 


For  I  know  him, 
(Abraham,)  that  he 


will  command  his 


children,  and  his  household  after  him,  and  they 
shall  keep  the  way  of  the  Lord.     G-en.  18 :  19. 
As  for  me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve  the 
Lord.     Josh.  24:15. 


106  THE    TRACT   PRIMER. 

CHOICE    OF    COMPANIONS. 

My  son,  if  sinners  entice  thee,  consent  thou 
not :  my  son,  walk  not  thou  in  the  way  with 
them  ;  refrain  thy  foot  from  their  path :  for 
their  feet  run  to  evil,  and  make  haste  to  shed 
blood.     Prov.  1  :  10,  15,  16. 

He  that  walketh  with  wise  men  shall  be 
wise  ;  but  a  companion  of  fools  shall  be  de- 
stroyed.    Prov.  13  :  20. 

Make  no  friendship  with  an  angry  man  ; 
and  with  a  furious  man  thou  shalt  not  go : 
lest  thou  learn  his  ways,  and  get  a  snare  to 
thy  soul.     Prov.  22  :  24,  25. 

CONCERNING   MIRTH   AND   AMUSEMENTS. 

They  (the  wicked)  send  forth  their  little 
ones  like  a  flock,  and  their  children  dance. 
They  take  the  timbrel  and  harp,  and  rejoice 
at  the  sound  of  the  organ.  They  spend  their 
days  in  wealth,  and  in  a  moment  go  down  to 
the  grave.  Therefore  they  say  unto  God,  De- 
part from  us  ;  for  we  desire  not  the  knowledge 
of  thy  ways.     Job  21  :  11-14. 

Rejoice,  0  young  man,  in  thy  youth ;  and 
let  thy  heart  cheer  thee  in  the  clays  of- thy 


THE    TRACT   PRIMER.  107 


youth,  and  walk  in  the  ways  of  thine  heart, 
and  in  the  sight  of  thine  eyes  ;  but  know  thou, 
that  for  all  these  things  (rod  will  bring  thee 
into  judgment.     Eccl.  11  :  9. 

But  I  say  unjo  you,  That  every  idle  word 
that  men  shall  speak,  they  shall  give  account 
thereof  in  the  day  of  judgment.    Matt.  12  :  36. 


CONCERNING   TRUE    CHRISTIAN   JOY   AND 
CHEERFULNESS. 

Be  glad  in  the  Lord,  and  rejoice,  ye  right- 
eous :  and  shout  for  joy,  all  ye  that  are  upright 
in  heart.     Psa.  32  :  11. 

Rejoice  in  the  Lord,  0  ye  righteous ;  for 
praise  is  comely  for  the  upright.     Psa.  33  :  1. 

Let  Israel  rejoice  in  him  that  made  him : 
let  the  children  of  Zion  be  joyful  in  their 
King.     Psa.  149  :  2. 

CONCERNING    HOME. 

Withdraw  thy  foot  from  thy  neighbor's  house ; 
lest  he  be  weary  of  thee,  and  so  hate  thee. 
Prov.  25  :  17. 

As  a  bird  that  wandereth  from  her  nest,  so 
is  a  man  that  wandereth  from  his  place.  Prov. 
27  i  8. 


108  THE    TRACT   TRIMER. 


CONCERNING   CONVERSATION. 

Thou  shalt  not  go  up  and  down  as  a  tale- 
bearer among  thy  people.     Lev.  19  :  16. 

The  woras  of  his  mouth  were  smoother  than 
butter,  but  war  was  in  his  heart :  his  words  were 
softer  than  oil,  yet  were  they  drawn  swords. 
Psalm  55  :  21. 

Whoso  privily  slandereth  his  neighbor,  him 
will  I  cut  off.    Psalm  101  :  5. 

In  the  multitude  of  words  there  wanteth 
not  sin  ;  but  he  that  refraineth  his  lips  is  wise. 
Prov.  10  :  19. 

A  froward  man  soweth  strife  ;  and  a  whis- 
perer separateth  chief  friends.    Prov.  16  :  28. 

Where  no  wood  is,  there  the  fire  goeth  out ; 
so  where  there  is  no  tale-bearer,  the  strife  ceas- 
eth.     Prov.  26  :  20. 

Judge  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged.  Matt. 
7:1. 

For  he  thak  will  love  life,  and  see  good  days, 
let  him  refrain  his  tongue  from  evil,  and  his 
lips  that  they  speak  no  guile.     1  Pet.  3  :  10. 


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